Neuroarchitecture in Pediatric Hospitals
Serene Mariam Thomas School Of Architecture and Design Bishop Jerome Institute, KollamAbstract
The research is to study about the influence of neuroarchitecture in pediatric hospital. To analyse the impact of various parameters on human brain and how it improves the emotional wellbeing of the human. Our brain is constantly modelled by our environment, children are easily influenced by their environment so it’s essential to provide them with a space that would positivity effect their brain development.
1. Introduction
Different responses are produced by the brains of the users during their presence in a certain environment. The application of neuroscience to architecture is defined as “Neuroarchitecture”. Neuroarchitecture assumes that an environment has a direct impact on patterns of brain functioning. The design of a space is not only based on ergonomics or standards but is also based on subjective elements such as emotions. We perceive our surroundings with our senses, and behave accordingly.
Each of our perceptions is based on: the Past: our experiences, the Present: current context, the Future: our goals
Various architectural viewpoints affect the impact of a space wayfinding, lighting, vegetation and open spaces, height and enclosure, shapes, fenestration, colors
2. History
The idea of neuroarchitecture existed in older styles but was not defined.
In the 1950s an American doctor Jonas Salk who found the polio vaccine found out that spaces influenced emotions, as he became more creative and inspired each time he visited the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, located in the City of Assisi. So when he created a school of research in the field of molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience and plant biology in the city of La Jolla,
Ar. Pooja P Krishnan School Of Architecture and Design
Bishop Jerome Institute, Kollam
California his main ideology was to create an institute that is a mixture of art and science, where functionality and aesthetics merge inspiring scientist to research as artists do art. And thus Salk Institute was designed by Louis Khan.
The Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture took shape in 2002 by the Institute of Architects (AIA) in San Diego. ANFA aimed to promote and advance knowledge linking neuroscience research to a growing understanding of human responses to the built environment.
3. Neuroscience
Our brain processes information and reacts to the same. During the critical development of the psychology and biology of organisms, the stimuli have heightened sensitivity. The way we process information depends upon the experiences during the early stages of one’s life. There are areas in the brain that add new neurons, one of the areas is “Hippocampus” which is involved in learning and memory, this memory is an aggregate of emotional and visual informationand is stored inthe cortex. Hippocampus is where long term memory is formed but is not stored. The memories give the being the ability to adjust to its environment. The information gathered by each cell in the brain during its initial growth period affects it’s working. The short term memories are formed in the Prefrontal Cortex, even though the information is held for a short period of time it’s essential in the formation of behaviours and the responses of an individual. The cerebral cortex is the area of the brain which includes functions such as planning perception learning memory awareness of emotions.
3.1. Brain Plasticity
Brain plasticity can be defined as the brain’s ability to adapt to new environments. This could vary between adults and kids.
Brain Plasticity occurs throughout the life of a human, but the brain tends to change evidently during the early years of life. Generally, the brain of kids tends to be more sensitive and responsive to experiences than older brains.
3.2. Memory and Architecture
How we perceive an environment depends on our experiences and memories, so it means perception of the environment has different meanings from person to person and depends on their age, health condition, or memories. Short-term exposure and short-term effects occur normally after the interaction between an individual and a space, these last from a few seconds up to a day.
Long-term exposure, long-term effect are that which last more thana dayevenafter the exposure to that environment is over, it could be a person’s home, workplace, etc.
4. Parameters that affect Neuroarchitecture
4.1. Wayfinding
Wayfinding is referred to as knowing your exact location and how to move across a space. This can be done in many ways such as:
Creating a unique identity for each place
Using landmarks to designate spaces and to act as
A direction aid: a child may not remember certain rooms buthaveahigherpossibilityto rememberlandmarks. Siegel and White (Siegel A. W.) postulate that the development of spatial knowledge duringchildhood evolves fromlandmark
to route knowledge and then from route knowledge to survey knowledge. Children as young as 5 years of age can use landmarks for wayfinding.
Clear Planning and circulation: in a children’s hospital this is necessaryso the childrencould find his/her own way.
4.2. Vegetation and Open Spaces
In a survey conducted by ‘English Nature Science’ people’s reaction to landscape was recorded, it was seen that children favors natural scenes. Ar.Roger Ulrich conducted an experiment in a US Hospital in 1984 to understand the effect of window view in healing. 46 patients were chosen and half of the patients had their beds near windows which overlooked a landscape and the other half of the patients had their beds overlooking a brick wall. After studying the patient’s vitals it was concluded that the patients placed near the landscape had faster rate ofhealing.
4.3. Lighting
4.3.1 Natural Lighting
In a study conducted 92% of the patients considered natural light to be calming and pleasurable. But the light entering a space should be controlled and conditioned. Different spectrums of sunlight have various impact on human body.
Research as shown that natural light enhances healing by increasing the release of endorphins, decreasing blood pressure.
Ways to achieve optimal daylight conditions:
1. Balconies, terrace, courtyard, porches, and patios could be integrated to design so that the occupants can have easy access to outside to enjoy day-lighting.
2. Interior space design: the distribution of natural light is directly affected by geometry, material and colour of a space:
a. Size, direction, location, shape, number and sill level of fenestrations in each space is designed to achieve required natural light. Low sill and light shelves allow deeper light penetrations.
b. Lighter wall allows better light distribution byreflection.
c. Smoother surfaces allow more reflection than textured surfaces.
d. light ceiling and flooring allows more uniform distribution of light
e. nature of activity that happens in a particular space and flexibility to control daylight levels through suitable window treatment is equally important.(2)
4.3.2 Artificial Lighting
‘Artificial white light can never replace sunlight’ Artificial light can never replicate the dynamism and quality of daylight. Any exposure to bright artificial light with a high component of blue light can have an adverse impact on human health. Artificial lighting should be flexibleandcouldbeadjusted accordingtothe user’s needs. White light modulates mood and sleep rhythms. Spaces illuminated above 7500k increase blood pressure. Blue light accelerates post-stress relaxation. Warmlightinghelps to reduce stress.
4.4. Shape
The use of curves helps to relax more than sharp edges. Shapes can provide sensory triggers. In a study conducted by Harvard Medical School it was found that most of the people prefer curves and soft outlines rather than sharp one. Oshin Vartanian’s study showed that curved interiors generated more activity in the cortex of brain. It can be concluded that angular shapes creates a sense of alertness and concentration, whereas soft and rounded ones creates a feel of security and protection.
4.5. Fenestrations
‘Power of the window’ by Ulrich shows how patients in hospitals recover faster when they have windows facing to an outer environment. Patients without windows in their rooms can develop sensory deprivation. It’s important to create spaces for social interaction and to promote the motor skills of kids and to provide people with spaces to strengthen people’s self-esteem.
4.6. Colours
Colours have a significant effect on the well-being of the patients, colours canalso be used to distinguishspaces from one another. According to color psychology colors can affect our emotions.
Warm colors improve productivity and concentration, making these color ideal for work environments. Cool colors have proved to be calmer and more relaxed than warm colors. Neutral colors can be used to reinforce the characteristics of other colors.
According to centre for health design usage of colours in various parts of hospital:
Patient’s room
Neutral palettes have a calming effect on patients and their family Usage of strong colours could cause strain in users
Waiting areas
Light color or neutral colors such as cool muted hues of green, blue and purple could be used in spaces which are occupied for a long periods such as waiting areas
Corridors
Warm colours such as light orange, pale yellow orange, to be used on Treatment rooms: shades of cool colours such as blue or green could be used due to their calming properties
Play Areas
Contrasting colors can be used to improve stimulation
4.7. Textures
Dr. Colin Ellard has found through research that there is increased mood and arousal levels when people encounter with varied or textured facades. It was found that when test subjects walked past monotonous, unvaried surface they unconsciously sped up.
4.8. Height and Enclosure
According to Joan Mayer’s ‘Influence of Ceiling Height’ Volume of the room impacts the behaviour of the user. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) results showed that rooms with high ceilings differentially activated neural structures involved in visuospatial attention and exploration, such as the left middle frontal gyrusandleftprecuneus(1).Highceilingspromotesfreedom. Low ceilings signifies confinement and comfort. Spaces involved in learning requires attention so those spaces requires lowceiling. As the volume ofthe roomchanges the type of interaction changes from intimate or light to retrospective.
5. Case study
EKH CLINIC, THAILAND
Designed by Integrated Field Architects EKH Clinic is located in Thailand. The clinic was designed with the design philosophy: “Playing is healing”. The key concept was “Children’s dimension”. The clinic was designed to bring a feeling of happiness of kid’s throughout their stay in the hospitals.
1. For easy wayfinding the rooms are placed on either side of a passageway.
2. Daylighting is ensured to all the rooms by using large windows in common areas such as entrance area, play area, and the swimming pool, whereas the patients rooms have natural daylighting which could be controlled through blinds and curtains
3. Curves designed according to children’s dimension is used, the curves are not of perfect geometric forms.
4. Pastel shades of green, blue, pink and yellow is used. These colours are used to promote creativity in kids
5. Various texture finishes is used within children’s eye level
6. A large slide is featured in the entrance of the hospital which acts as distraction.
7. Recreational spaces such the swimming pool and the play area is of double height as these spaces promotes freedom and creativity in users, whereas the patients room is of a single height to give comfort and the feeling of home to the users
8. There is no exposure to open areas and vegetation
A WARM CLINIC, CHINAS
Located in China the warm clinic was designed by RIGI Design. RIGI hopes to express the idea that medical space needs to show trust and hope through different design insights.
1. Clinic follows a simple planning with treatment rooms placed along a passageway
2. To narrow the difference between interior and exterior vegetation and fenestration is used
3. White colour is used as a base so it highlights the characteristics of other colours.
4. Various angular shapes are used to make the space interesting
5. The hospital follow an unconventional method of arrangement of furniture
6. A play area is provided near the waiting area
NEW LADY CILENTO CHILDREN’S
HOSPITAL.AUSTRALIA
Build by Architects Conrad Gargett in the concept “Living Tree”.
1. The façade of the hospital strikes a drastic contrast from the surrounding with its green and purple colours
2. Even though the planning of the hospital is complicated various 2d and 3d art and signage is used for wayfinding
3. The double height areas bring in light and also all the public accessible spaces are arranged along.
4. External balconies are provided which gives view to the major landmarks such as the high rise buildings, to the adjacent parklands, to the distant mountains and to the Brisbane River. These spaces also bring in natural daylight.
5. Green spaces are provided on the rooftop which is used by the patients and their families as recreational space
COPENHAGEN CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Designed by 3XN’s Studio the hospital was designed emphasizing the power of play as an important part of treatment. The hospital was designed to allow children to stay close to their families while maintaining their day to day life.
1. The layout ensures easy wayfinding and maximum separation of 20 m between each programmatic areas
2. Recreational spaces such as courtyards, gardens and play areas are provided for each wing as it is necessary to improve the motor skills of kids has a hospital indoor environment limits children’s motor and sensorial activities.
3. All the common areas such as the lobby and entrance are of double storey height whereas the wards are of single story height, which provides a comforting environment to the occupants.
4. Various 2d and 3d arts are used to act as landmarks
5. Curves can be seen in plan and even in the interior of the hospital which creates a feeling of curiosity within the users.
6. Design Guidelines
1. Linear arrangement of spaces reduces confusion and gives a sense of direction
2. It’s essential to provide each space its own identity using elements such as colour, 2d or 3d art like helps in easy way finding and identification of spaces
3. All the spaces required should be placed within close proximity
4. It’s essential to provide adequate daylighting to every space using various fenestrations such as shades, blinds, curtains etc.
5. The user should be able to control the amount of natural and artificial lighting in the room.
6. Usage of light coloured walls could reflect light entering the room.
7. Smooth textured walls could reflect light more than rough texture.
8. Uncontrollable skylights and other openings should be avoided.
9. Direct glare into spaces could cause disturbance to the users
10. Glazingcouldbeusedto avoidglare Shadesorlouvers could be used to avoid direct sunlight
11. Patient’s room: Light colors or neutral colors could be used as people spend most of the time in these spaces and usage of dark colors could cause strain.
12. Corridor: warm colours such as yellow orange or lighter hues of blue or purple could be used and strong design elements for wayfinding such as symbols etc could be used.
13. Back wall of reception desk should be highlighted for easy identification
14. Treatment rooms: shades of cool colours such as blue or green could be used due to their calming properties
15. Recreational spaces could be of contrasting colors as it stimulates the kids and these spaces could act as a distraction.
16. Building should be oriented in such a manner that it ensures exposure to nature for all the patients
17. The entry of the hospital could be of double height with various 2d or 3d art that could act as a landmark.
18. Space such as the entry area, recreational areas workshops can be of 2 storey height as it gives a feeling of freedom and creativity.
19. The ward room can be of a single storey height, as its essential to give the patients a feeling of comfort.
20. Spaces for social interaction is necessary in hospitals, spaces such as play area, workshop etc as these spaces enhances the physical, mental and social wellbeing of a child.
7. Conclusion
Neuroarchitecture is a field in which many researches are still being conducted. Buildings designed considering the cognitive development is essential. The design of such buildings should be promoted as neuroarchitecture helps improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of its
residents, this is important in today’s world where people spend about 90% of their time indoors.
References
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(2)Vig, Raman. Architecture for Wellbeing. n.d.
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