Assessment of patient rooms in scope of building biology

Located at the top of the healthcare pyramid, hospitals are enduring structures with high circulation. Patient rooms happen to be one of the factors that determine a hospital's architectural form and are units designed according to standard definitions, although the users constantly change. The starting point of this study is space and human wellbeing within the building-human-environment trinity of building biology. The objective of the study is to investigate the relation between physical and psychosocial needs and space and human wellbeing in the places selected on the grounds of user density and in scope of studied criteria. Muğla Sıtkı Koçman Training and Research hospital was selected for the field study. Physical interior characteristics were limited to spatial-stylistic variables, visual variables and climatic variables. In spatial-stylistic variables, dimensions of space were compared between Ministry of Health Design Standards and Global Standards AIA/HHS (American Institute of Architects / Department of Health and Human Services) based on functional use. The visual variables of patient rooms have been investigated over the heading light and colour. Although the level of natural and artificial light complies with literature data, values were found to exceed the minimum levels set forth by the Chamber of Electrical Engineers (EMO) and Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). Colour choice in design was evaluated in relation to the effect colours have on human psychology. Regarding the climatic variables of patient rooms, indoor temperatures and volume of fresh air required per person meet comfort values that comply with ASHRAE standards. Room design suggestions based on the scale of patient room criteria have been included.