The concept implies that the physical healthcare environment can make a difference in how quickly patients recover or adapt to specific acute and chronic conditions. The goal of all healing environments is to engage patients in the process of self-healing and recovery. As a result, buildings designed according to the principles of healing architecture are nurturing and therapeutic.

Buildings are designed to reduce patient and carer stress and promote healing and recovery. Healing architecture aims to:

• Eliminate environmental stressors, such as noise, lack of privacy, poor air quality and glare.

• Connect patients to nature by providing outdoor views and other natural features, including interior gardens and water elements.

• Enhance the patient’s feeling of being in control by offering options and choices – these may include privacy versus socialisation, lighting levels, sound levels and quiet versus active waiting areas.

• Encourage opportunities for social support, such as providing appropriate seating and privacy for small groups.

• Provide positive distractions, such as interactive art, fireplaces, aquariums, internet connection, music, or soothing video or light installations suited to the healthcare setting.

• Inspire feelings of peace, hope, reflection and spiritual connection.

• Provide culturally appropriate settings that are inclusive and accepting of diversity. Recent studies on the impact of the built environment has shown how thoughtful architecture, focused on promoting healing, can have a measurable impact on patient recovery, including shorter hospital stays, fewer infections in hospital and reduced pain levels.

Maggies’ Centres, United Kingdom

Danish Cancer Society, Cancer Centre Copenhagen Aarhus Denmark

Helen Dowling Institute, Bilthoven, The Netherlands