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
Healthcare Facilities | Jul 24, 2017
AIA selects seven projects for Healthcare Design Awards
The facilities showcase the best of healthcare building design and health design-oriented research.
Accelerate Live! | Jul 6, 2017
Watch all 20 Accelerate Live! talks on demand
BD+C’s inaugural AEC innovation conference, Accelerate Live! (May 11, Chicago), featured talks on machine learning, AI, gaming in construction, maker culture, and health-generating buildings.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 29, 2017
Uniting healthcare and community
Out of the many insights that night, everyone agreed that the healthcare industry is ripe for disruption and that communities contribute immensely to our health and wellness.
Industry Research | Jun 27, 2017
What does the client really want?
In order to deliver superior outcomes to our healthcare clients, we have to know what our clients want.
Building Team Awards | Jun 8, 2017
Quick turnaround: Partners HealthCare
Silver Award: A 2½-year project brings Partners HealthCare’s sprawling administrative functions under one roof.
| May 30, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Health-generating buildings, Marcene Kinney, Angela Mazzi, GBBN Architects
Architects Marcene Kinney and Angela Mazzi share design hacks pinpointing specific aspects of the built environment that affect behavior, well-being, and performance.
| May 24, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Learning from Silicon Valley - Using SaaS to automate AEC, Sean Parham, Aditazz
Sean Parham shares how Aditazz is shaking up the traditional design and construction approaches by applying lessons from the tech world.
Healthcare Facilities | May 16, 2017
University of Pennsylvania’s new $1.5 billion hospital is being built with the future in mind
The Pavilion broke ground on May 3.
Healthcare Facilities | May 4, 2017
Mortenson provides details about its first building in Minnesota’s ambitious Destination Medical Center development
One district alone could add two million sf of commercial and residential space to Downtown Rochester.
Healthcare Facilities | May 1, 2017
Designing patient rooms for the entire family can improve patient satisfaction and outcomes
Hospital rooms are often not designed to accommodate extended stays for anyone other than the patient, which can have negative effects on patient outcome.
