The impact of biophilic design parameters on sustainable healthcare environments: Two cases from turkey and somalia

Through biophilia, humans naturally want to connect with the natural world. "Biophilic design," which emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of artificial elements with natural ones, presents an opportunity to create better environments that promote health and well-being. This study aims to discover if biophilic design principles can transform healthcare facilities into healing environments by reconnecting people with nature. The study outlines biophilic design principles and patterns, reviews their applications in healthcare environments, and evaluates their effectiveness through a comparative field study of two hospitals. The findings of the literature review and the field study reveal the significance of integrating biophilic design elements to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors in healthcare environments. The methodology of this study is divided into two main parts. The first part involves an extensive literature review focusing on the concept of biophilic design. It examines core biophilic design patterns, elements, and strategies emphasizing their relevance to healthcare environments and exploring their links to sustainable design. In the second part, a qualitative field study evaluates two hospitals through direct observation, and biophilic design analysis, using design patterns established through a literature search. These patterns, which have been shown to impact human health and well-being, are assessed and compared in the outdoor environments of the two selected hospitals to determine their effectiveness. This study concludes that integrating biophilic design into healthcare environments significantly enhances patient recovery, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being for both patients and staff. As urban environments evolve, designers and planners play a central role in strengthening public health. Consequently, this shift requires greater interdisciplinary collaboration among design disciplines and healthcare professionals. After all, it reflects the ethical responsibility of all professionals to integrate nature into the design for healthier environments.