Defining a Biophilic Design Framework for Clinical Environments in Desert Climates

Abstract

The theory of biophilic design is increasingly gaining attention since it provides several established benefits, particularly its positive effects on human well-being. A number of biophilic design frameworks have been developed to be a guidance when integrating nature into a built environment. However, the existing frameworks show a significant level of generalisation and do not consider the particular conditions of different settings, climates, and environments. My position is that differences in building function and programme, as well as climatic and cultural context should be considered when planning the integration of natural elements. To provide efficient guidance, more specific biophilic design frameworks should be developed. Within this context, this research set out to examine biophilic design for clinical facilities in the desert climate of Saudi Arabia, analysing how factors related to the natural environment, climate, culture and building typology, would affect the integration of natural elements in the building. Particularly, this study aims to develop a restorative biophilic design framework for hospital environments in Saudi Arabia's extreme climate. Mixed methods were applied to achieve the research aim. Firstly, a systematically reviewed literature was utilised to create a benchmark of scientific evidence for the effects of natural elements on human well-being, both generally and with a focus on clinical applications. Secondly, a precedent study of contemporary hospitals examined how biophilic design has been implemented in healthcare facilities in practice. Thirdly, an analysis of case studies from the primary research sites, two hospitals in Jeddah: the International Medical Center (IMC) and King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), aimed at examining patients’ psychological outcomes and exploring how environmental conditions and cultural background influence their relationship with nature. This included a photographic and physical survey of the two facilities, and semi-structured interviews with cancer patients, oncology medical staff departments, in-house architects, managers, and patients’ carers were also conducted in the two hospitals. The study found that four key factors should be considered when integrating natural elements in clinical environments: psychological and physical outcomes, the environmental and climatic conditions of the region, the cultural background of the locals, and the impact of the cancer disease on the patients, which resulted in a set of recommendations as a guideline for architects, designers, and decision-makers of hospital environments. These recommendations provide insight into where to integrate the natural elements in these facilities and what are the ideal methods to integrate and maintain these elements effectively to provide the maximum level of support for the patients in safe environments for them, while simultaneously striving for environmental sustainability considering the limitations in the resources at hand.