The physical body has a fantastic ability to “self-heal” when put into positive healing
environments. This healing is enabled by the power of the body to ‘tap into our internal
pharmacies’ by responding to the spaces around them. Certain elements in environments like
colour, light, and natural landscapes can contribute to the body’s ability to self-heal.
The application of science to design has had a remarkable impact on healthcare facilities
and healthcare over the years. Evidence-based design (EBD) uses scientific methods to build
the links between design and outcomes such as safety and efficiency to support design decisionmaking
in healthcare. EBD creates safe, efficient spaces, but patients and families come to
healthcare organizations seeking a healing experience.
