Architecture: Healthcare Design

This title presents the fundamental principals behind the conception and design of built space and their effect on coping with illness. One of the key questions to be answered is how architecture can contribute to healing. Put another way, how does the environment, both built and unbuilt, influence the perception of healthy human beings, in order for them to remain healthy? What makes this title a valuable reference is the direct insight into the planning process of two professional and highly successful hospital architects. The approach of the work of Christine Nickl-Weller and Hans Nickl is to utilize a perspective in which the human being enjoys the focus of all reflections and planning. Whether it be hospitals or retirement homes over and beyond the simple fulfilment of technical standards and functions, the architects always look for surroundings which support people to allow them to heal and then stay well.

Evidence-based design based on healthcare research and best practices. More than 1,000 research studies suggest healthcare design can improve patient care and medical outcomes and can decrease medical errors and waste. * Includes coverage on healing environments, family-centered care, benchmarking, sustainability (green practices), aesthetics, and working with design firms. * Contributors include planners and architects from the award-winning, international architectural firm, HDR.