The report, “Wood as a Restorative Material in Healthcare Environments,” by FP Innovations, a Canadian research organization, says that wood used as a building material in healthcare settings can have benefits for patients.
It examines the phenomenon of biophilia—or the effect of natural elements on human behavior—in healthcare buildings. The theory is that natural materials can have a positive impact on patient recovery by tapping into human’s affinity for life and life-like processes.
Specifically, the report links wood materials to improved results in:
- Better patient recovery times
- Lower pain perception
- More positive disposition
- Lower stress levels and a greater ability to focus for visitors and practitioners
The report adds that more use of wood in healthcare facilities enhances the mood of healthcare providers. Wood could be particularly beneficial in adding a biophilia effect to windowless rooms and areas.
Related Stories
University Buildings | Jul 1, 2021
Texas A&M University’s new Engineering Medicine program receives a new, unique space
EYP designed the project.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 29, 2021
New Flagler Health+ Campus breaks ground in Durbin Park
Gresham Smith designed the project.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 25, 2021
Hospital serving New Hampshire’s largest metro is expanding its ED
A pandemic delay led the design-build team to rethink the addition’s reception, waiting, and triage areas.
![Oceanographer John Englander talks resiliency and buildings [new on HorizonTV]](/sites/default/files/styles/list_big/public/Oceanographer%20John%20Englander%20Talks%20Resiliency%20and%20Buildings%20YT%20new_0.jpg?itok=enJ1TWJ8 "Oceanographer John Englander talks resiliency and buildings [new on HorizonTV]")
Resiliency | Jun 24, 2021
Oceanographer John Englander talks resiliency and buildings [new on HorizonTV]
New on HorizonTV, oceanographer John Englander discusses his latest book, which warns that, regardless of resilience efforts, sea levels will rise by meters in the coming decades. Adaptation, he says, is the key to future building design and construction.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 10, 2021
Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital completes in Cave Creek, Ariz.
E4H Architecture designed the project.
Digital Twin | May 24, 2021
Digital twin’s value propositions for the built environment, explained
Ernst & Young’s white paper makes its cases for the technology’s myriad benefits.
Healthcare Facilities | May 20, 2021
California Veteran Home, Skilled Nursing Facility and Memory Care project set for Yountville, Calif.
A team of Rudolph and Sletten and CannonDesign will design and build the facility.
Market Data | May 18, 2021
Grumman|Butkus Associates publishes 2020 edition of Hospital Benchmarking Survey
The report examines electricity, fossil fuel, water/sewer, and carbon footprint.
Healthcare Facilities | May 12, 2021
New pet ER under construction in Vancouver, Wash.
The project will serve the Portland metro area 24 hours a day.
Healthcare Facilities | May 7, 2021
Private practice: Designing healthcare spaces that promote patient privacy
If a facility violates HIPAA rules, the penalty can be costly to both their reputation and wallet, with fines up to $250,000 depending on the severity.
