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25 pages, 3689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Façade Psychology Is Hardwired: AI Selects Windows Supporting Health

by Nikos A. Salingaros

Buildings 2025, 15(10), 1645; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101645 - 14 May 2025

This study uses generative AI to investigate the influence of building façade geometry on human physiological and psychological health. Employing Christopher Alexander’s fifteen fundamental properties of living geometry and a set of ten emotional descriptors {beauty, calmness, coherence, comfort, empathy, intimacy, reassurance, relaxation, [...] Read more.

This study uses generative AI to investigate the influence of building façade geometry on human physiological and psychological health. Employing Christopher Alexander’s fifteen fundamental properties of living geometry and a set of ten emotional descriptors {beauty, calmness, coherence, comfort, empathy, intimacy, reassurance, relaxation, visual pleasure, well-being} in separate tests, ChatGPT 4.5 evaluates simple, contrasting window designs. AI analyses strongly and consistently prefer traditional window geometries, characterized by symmetrical arrangements and coherent visual structure, over fragmented or minimalist–modernist alternatives. These results suggest human cognitive–emotional responses to architectural forms are hardwired through evolution, privileging specific geometric patterns. Finally, ChatGPT o3 formulates ten detailed geometric rules for empathetic window design and composition. It then applies these criteria to select contemporary window typologies that generate the highest anxiety. The seven most anxiety-inducing designs are the most favored today worldwide. The findings challenge contemporary architectural preferences and standard window archetypes by emphasizing the significance of empathetic and health-promoting façade designs. Given the general suspicion among many readers of the frequently manipulative and unreliable use of AI, its use in this experiment is not to validate design decisions directly, which would put into question what the AI is trained with, but to prove a correlation between two established methodologies for evaluating a design. AI is used as an analytical tool to show that Alexander’s geometric rules (the guidelines proposed beforehand) closely match emotional reactions (the desirable outcomes observed afterward). This novel use of AI suggests integrating neurodesign principles into architectural education and practice to prioritize urban vitality through psychological well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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22 pages, 4755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multidimensional Perspective on the Impact of Gamification on Visitors’ Emotions and Revisit Intention in Virtual Museum Spaces: A Case Study of the Southern Han Mausoleums Museum

by Ming Lei, Shenghua Tan and Pin Gao

Buildings 2025, 15(9), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15091430 - 24 Apr 2025

Viewed by 282

Abstract

An empirical analysis was conducted by evaluating the emotional responses of 30 university students in a virtual museum environment using a combination of subjective scales and physiological monitoring technologies. The experimental samples were divided into a control group (without gamification) and four experimental [...] Read more.

An empirical analysis was conducted by evaluating the emotional responses of 30 university students in a virtual museum environment using a combination of subjective scales and physiological monitoring technologies. The experimental samples were divided into a control group (without gamification) and four experimental groups featuring different combinations of gamification elements. The results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in emotional arousal (both subjective and physiological) and intention to revisit in the experimental groups compared to the control group, indicating that gamification elements effectively enhance visitors’ emotional engagement and loyalty. However, no significant differences were observed in the impact of different gamification combinations on physiological emotions and revisit intention, suggesting that visitors are more concerned with the presence of gamification elements than their specific forms. Correlational analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between heart rate (HR) and subjective positive emotions and revisit intention, indicating its potential as a critical indicator of emotional engagement. This study confirms the practical value of gamification elements in virtual museums, emphasizing the priority of essential elements and the balance between challenge and reward mechanisms. The inclusion of physiological indicators provides a multidimensional perspective for emotion assessment, addressing the limitations of traditional subjective methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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43 pages, 46730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Multi-Sensory Experience Design of Interior Spaces from the Perspective of Spatial Perception: A Case Study of Suzhou Coffee Roasting Factory

by Haochen Xu, Jinxiang Zhao, Changjiang Jin, Ning Zhu and Ye Chai

Buildings 2025, 15(8), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15081393 - 21 Apr 2025

Viewed by 660

Abstract

With globalization and the transformation of socio-cultural structures, the focus of spatial design has shifted from functionality to perceptual experience and atmospheric creation. This study draws on the spatial perception theory and the phenomenology of perception to examine how sensory subjects perceive and [...] Read more.

With globalization and the transformation of socio-cultural structures, the focus of spatial design has shifted from functionality to perceptual experience and atmospheric creation. This study draws on the spatial perception theory and the phenomenology of perception to examine how sensory subjects perceive and respond to the physical attributes of space. It explores key elements that shape spatial experiences, including lighting, color, spatial form, sound, material, and scent, all of which contribute to the construction of emotional ambiance and the perceptual character of interior environments. Based on this foundation, this study proposes multi-sensory design strategies for interior spaces, including the following: (1) visual perception: modifying color and lighting to establish emotional ambiance and enhance spatial depth; (2) auditory perception: crafting soundscapes that deepen immersion; (3) tactile perception: designing both direct and indirect tactile experiences; and (4) olfactory and gustatory perception: incorporating scent design to evoke memory and forge emotional connections. To demonstrate the practical potential of these strategies, this study presents a conceptual design case of a coffee roasting factory in Suzhou. The design integrates visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory elements to enhance users’ overall spatial perception through multi-sensory coordination. This study ultimately seeks to provide theoretical insights into practical design strategies, highlighting the importance of perceptual experience in improving spatial quality and guiding future interior design practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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26 pages, 2199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

User Well-Being in Kitchen Environment Design from a Positive Psychology Perspective: A Quantitative and Qualitative Literature Analysis

by Qi Song, Min Huang, Zhipeng Ren, Xiayan Lin, Shimin Li, Bingjie Sun and Yuting Li

Buildings 2025, 15(6), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060845 - 7 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 909

Abstract

This paper systematically discusses the impact of kitchen environment design on users’ well-being. Based on the user-centered design concept, this paper focuses on the theoretical framework of positive psychology and combines quantitative and qualitative research methods. Firstly, using bibliometric analysis tools (CiteSpace 6.1.R1 [...] Read more.

This paper systematically discusses the impact of kitchen environment design on users’ well-being. Based on the user-centered design concept, this paper focuses on the theoretical framework of positive psychology and combines quantitative and qualitative research methods. Firstly, using bibliometric analysis tools (CiteSpace 6.1.R1 and VOSviewer 1.6.20), 1256 related articles in the Web of Science Core database were analyzed to reveal the multidimensional association between kitchen design and user well-being. It was found that improving kitchen air quality, optimizing space layout design, intelligent design, and family interaction significantly improve users’ mental health and happiness. Then, based on the PERMA model of positive psychology, this paper discusses the support path of kitchen design to users’ psychological needs from five dimensions: positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Optimizing the kitchen environment can enhance user experience by creating an immersive experience and positive feedback and promoting family communication, social interaction, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. Based on research results and cutting-edge design cases in the discussion section, a home kitchen design strategy for improving user welfare through the PERMA model is proposed. Finally, follow-up research can further explore the differentiated needs of different cultural backgrounds and user groups to promote the combined application of innovative kitchen technology and positive psychology and further focus on kitchen environment and health equity, especially for developing and vulnerable countries—group-specific needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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29 pages, 8502 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Restorative Environment Design Drives Well-Being in Sustainable Elderly Day Care Centres

by Yuting Li, Xiayan Lin, Shimin Li, Min Huang, Zhipeng Ren and Qi Song

Buildings 2025, 15(5), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050757 - 25 Feb 2025

Viewed by 974

Abstract

At present, China is facing a serious aging problem. Although community daycare centers have been built, they generally have problems such as inadequate facilities, single-service provision, and insufficient environmental design. These problems make it impossible to meet the multifaceted needs of the elderly [...] Read more.

At present, China is facing a serious aging problem. Although community daycare centers have been built, they generally have problems such as inadequate facilities, single-service provision, and insufficient environmental design. These problems make it impossible to meet the multifaceted needs of the elderly in their old age, enhance their sense of wellbeing, and achieve sustainable development. Therefore, relevant policies indicate that the elderly service model of community day care centers should be actively constructed and upgraded. However, most of the existing research focuses on service models or single-design practice studies, and there are relatively few studies that address the integration of restorative environmental design and sustainability. Therefore, this paper systematically explores the current research status of restorative environmental design in daycare centers for the elderly through macro quantitative bibliometric analysis and micro qualitative content analysis based on Web of Science (WOS) data, then proposes design practice strategies, implementation paths, and evaluation methods to enhance wellbeing. Through keyword network visualization analysis, this paper identifies eight main clusters: physical literacy, public preschool services, social support, elderly day care centers, hospice use, designing leisure products, risk factors, and communicative skills. The high-frequency keywords “health”, “elderly”, “cultural diversity”, “children”, and “quality of life” are further categorized into “caregiving”, “Alzheimer’s disease”, “adult day care”, and “daycare centers”, with the latter split into three further categories: design strategy, implementation approach, and evaluation. In addition, this paper combines SDG3 goals such as reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, achieving universal health coverage, etc., in order to explore the potential of resilience-based environmental design to promote the sustainable development of elderly daycare centers. This study not only complements the research related to restorative environmental design in daycare centers for the elderly but also provides specific guidelines and references for future environmental design, policy planning, and elderly service practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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22 pages, 7231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Color Preference and Color Supportive Behavior: The After Effects of Color Perception of Rural Housing Among the Indigenous Residents in Gutian District, Fujian Province, China

by Deyi Kong, Ziyi Li, Xinhui Fei and Zujian Chen

Buildings 2025, 15(5), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050743 - 25 Feb 2025

Viewed by 580

Abstract

The colors of traditional dwellings are an extremely intuitive manifestation of regional culture and an important reference for guiding rural housing. This study takes the Gutian district as the research region and explores the internal influence mechanism of the “color perception–preference–supportive behavior” of [...] Read more.

The colors of traditional dwellings are an extremely intuitive manifestation of regional culture and an important reference for guiding rural housing. This study takes the Gutian district as the research region and explores the internal influence mechanism of the “color perception–preference–supportive behavior” of the indigenous residents towards traditional dwellings, specifically rammed earth dwellings. After constructing a structural equation model, the results were as follows: (1) The color perception of the indigenous residents towards traditional dwellings has two dimensions: distinctiveness and rootedness. (2) The color perception of the indigenous residents towards traditional dwellings can significantly enhance their color preference, but the two dimensions of color perception have different effects on color preference. (3) Color perception has a direct impact on color supportive behavior, mainly reflected in the dimension of the perception of distinctiveness. On the other hand, the mediating role of color preference has a positive impact on color—supportive behavior, mainly reflected in the dimension of the perception of rootedness. This study constructs a positive—cycle model that goes from the strengthening of color perception to the promotion of color preference and finally to the enhancement of color supportive behavior. The aim is to deeply analyze the multiple values contained in the colors of traditional dwellings, which not only demonstrate regional characteristics but also closely meet the emotional needs of the indigenous residents and have broad application potential in rural housing and cultural inheritance significance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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30 pages, 13956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The State of Stroke Rehabilitation Design in Australia: A Multi-Scalar Systematic Architecture Precedent Review

by Tianyi Yang, Marcus White, Ruby Lipson-Smith and Mehrnoush Latifi

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3968; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123968 - 13 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1063

Abstract

Objectives: This study explores stroke rehabilitation facility design in Australia, identifying the key design typologies at multiple scales and assessing them against the critical design criteria for stroke rehabilitation. Background: The physical environment plays a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation, affecting patient recovery [...] Read more.

Objectives: This study explores stroke rehabilitation facility design in Australia, identifying the key design typologies at multiple scales and assessing them against the critical design criteria for stroke rehabilitation. Background: The physical environment plays a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation, affecting patient recovery and well-being. However, limited research examines how design can support therapeutic outcomes in these facilities. Method: From a systematic review of 257 Australian stroke rehabilitation facilities, 30 were selected for detailed design review, with an in-depth room-level analysis conducted for 10. Using the modified PRISMA framework and a typology analysis approach, this study integrates architectural precedent with clinical research methods. Results: Typologies were identified at the site, building, ward, and room levels. Acute hospital wards (53%) and ‘blocks’ (73%) were the most common site and building arrangements, respectively. At the ward level, ‘racetrack with courtyard’ layouts enhanced natural light, views, and access to landscaped areas. A room-level analysis revealed limited innovation, with most rooms adhering to standard designs, though some adaptations improved visual connectivity and personal control. Hybrid nurse stations and courtyards supported efficiency, social interaction, and therapeutic stimulation. Conclusions: This study highlights the user-centred design strategies tailored to stroke patients’ needs and the importance of evidence-based approaches prioritising well-being. Future research should incorporate 3D spatial analysis for actionable design recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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30 pages, 11752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Outdoor Micro-Space Design for Prolonged Activity Duration: A Study Integrating Rough Set Theory and the PSO-SVR Algorithm

by Jingwen Tian, Zimo Chen, Lingling Yuan and Hongtao Zhou

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3950; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123950 - 12 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1022

Abstract

This study proposes an optimization method based on Rough Set Theory (RST) and Particle Swarm Optimization–Support Vector Regression (PSO-SVR), aimed at enhancing the emotional dimension of outdoor micro-space (OMS) design, thereby improving users’ outdoor activity duration preferences and emotional experiences. OMS, as a [...] Read more.

This study proposes an optimization method based on Rough Set Theory (RST) and Particle Swarm Optimization–Support Vector Regression (PSO-SVR), aimed at enhancing the emotional dimension of outdoor micro-space (OMS) design, thereby improving users’ outdoor activity duration preferences and emotional experiences. OMS, as a key element in modern urban design, significantly enhances residents’ quality of life and promotes public health. Accurately understanding and predicting users’ emotional needs is the core challenge in optimizing OMS. In this study, the Kansei Engineering (KE) framework is applied, using fuzzy clustering to reduce the dimensionality of emotional descriptors, while RST is employed for attribute reduction to select five key design features that influence users’ emotions. Subsequently, the PSO-SVR model is applied to establish the nonlinear mapping relationship between these design features and users’ emotions, predicting the optimal configuration of OMS design. The results indicate that the optimized OMS design significantly enhances users’ intention to stay in the space, as reflected by higher ratings for emotional descriptors and increased preferences for longer outdoor activity duration, all exceeding the median score of the scale. Additionally, comparative analysis shows that the PSO-SVR model outperforms traditional methods (e.g., BPNN, RF, and SVR) in terms of accuracy and generalization for predictions. These findings demonstrate that the proposed method effectively improves the emotional performance of OMS design and offers a solid optimization framework along with practical guidance for future urban public space design. The innovative contribution of this study lies in the proposed data-driven optimization method that integrates machine learning and KE. This method not only offers a new theoretical perspective for OMS design but also establishes a scientific framework to accurately incorporate users’ emotional needs into the design process. The method contributes new knowledge to the field of urban design, promotes public health and well-being, and provides a solid foundation for future applications in different urban environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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22 pages, 2916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Emotional Design of Street Furniture Based on Kano Modeling

by Zhaoxing Wang, Chao Han, Bing Yu, Kexin Wei, Yiqing Li, Sanfeng Jin and Panpan Bai

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3896; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123896 - 5 Dec 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1083

Abstract

With the acceleration of urbanization, the design of street furniture, as an indispensable part of urban public spaces, faces the challenge of neglecting the user experience. To address this situation, this study adopted a three-level theory of affective design and the Kano model [...] Read more.

With the acceleration of urbanization, the design of street furniture, as an indispensable part of urban public spaces, faces the challenge of neglecting the user experience. To address this situation, this study adopted a three-level theory of affective design and the Kano model to categorize and rank users’ affective needs. The results show that users prefer high-density street furniture that follows traditional urban space design and incorporates elements of traditional Chinese culture and they reject minimalist modern facilities and empty, “hard” plazas. Accordingly, this study proposes emotional design strategies to effectively address the existing problems. Furthermore, this study confirms that the Kano model has significant advantages in identifying the real emotional needs of users, providing data support, and guiding the emotional design of street furniture, which ensures the scientific validity and effectiveness of the design strategy. This study not only deepens the understanding of the emotional design of street facilities but also provides an important reference for future urban space design and planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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24 pages, 6254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Role of Smellscape in Enhancing Landscape Perception: A Case Study in the University History Museum

by Qing Liang, Shucan Lin, Linwei Wang and Fanghuan Yang

Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3566; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113566 - 8 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1170

Abstract

As the cultural importance of universities continues to grow, university museums have become key platforms for promoting university heritage and values. However, enhancing the visitor experience in these museums remains challenging. This study examines the effectiveness of smellscape in enhancing the visitor experience [...] Read more.

As the cultural importance of universities continues to grow, university museums have become key platforms for promoting university heritage and values. However, enhancing the visitor experience in these museums remains challenging. This study examines the effectiveness of smellscape in enhancing the visitor experience in university history museums, with a focus on how various scents impact visitors’ emotions. Using the Fuzhou University History Museum as a case study, the museum was divided into three distinct zones: the Historical Evolution Zone (HEZ), the Contemporary Development Zone (CDZ), and the Thematic Exhibition Zone (TEZ). Specific scents were selected for each area to evaluate their emotional impact, and data were gathered using electroencephalography (EEG) indicators, emotional questionnaires, and scent pleasure scales. The results indicated that calming scents like sandalwood and agarwood, used in the HEZ, convey a sense of historical depth but may also evoke negative emotions, whereas sage enhances positive feelings. In the CDZ, rosemary and mint significantly improve emotional states, while lemongrass exhibits weaker pleasantness and appears less suited for this area. In the TEZ, scents such as patchouli and orange blossom align well with future-oriented themes, demonstrating high levels of pleasantness and emotional value. Smellwalk interviews further validated the experimental results, revealing notable differences in the emotional impact of smellscape across different exhibit zones. A thoughtful selection of scents can enhance the cultural expression of spaces and effectively regulate visitors’ emotional experiences, strengthening the cultural resonance of museum environments. Future designers may consider incorporating olfactory elements into landscape design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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19 pages, 3182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differentiated Impacts of Indoor and Outdoor Fitness Environments on Residents’ Activity Intensity: A Perspective on Homo Urbanicus

by Wei Wei, Wenyi Xu and Mengyao Hong

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3323; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103323 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1273

Abstract

This study develops a framework for the impact mechanism based on the “homo urbanicus” theoretical perspective, linking indoor and outdoor fitness environmental elements to residents’ subjective perceptions and their activity intensity. An empirical investigation is conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) with data [...] Read more.

This study develops a framework for the impact mechanism based on the “homo urbanicus” theoretical perspective, linking indoor and outdoor fitness environmental elements to residents’ subjective perceptions and their activity intensity. An empirical investigation is conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) with data from 286 valid questionnaires (N = 421). The results demonstrate that both indoor and outdoor fitness environmental elements—specifically spatial, facility, and environmental factors—significantly positively influence residents’ fitness activity intensity, with this relationship mediated by perceptions of safety, convenience, comfort, and aesthetics. Furthermore, the study uncovers variations in the types and degrees of influence across indoor and outdoor settings. Based on these findings, the author proposes several planning and design strategies: “In indoor environments, it is essential to ensure that fitness spaces feature bright lighting and thoughtful design to enhance aesthetic appeal; additionally, optimizing spatial layouts and integrating information services can foster greater social interaction. For outdoor environments, prioritizing locations near aesthetically pleasing architecture, adjacent to blue landscapes, and within open areas, as well as sites that are close to community amenities and abundant surrounding facilities, will enhance residents’ fitness activity intensity”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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23 pages, 18087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Impact of Elementary School Urban Neighborhood Color on Children’s Mentalization of Emotions through Multi-Source Data

by Ruiying Zhang, Qian Huang, Zhimou Peng, Xinyue Zhang, Lan Shang and Chengling Yang

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3128; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103128 - 30 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1356

Abstract

To address the challenge of quantitatively assessing the mentalization of emotions in color design schemes, this study uses Baidu Street View images and deep learning, integrates multi-source data, and innovatively constructs a color data model based on a comprehensive color indicator system for [...] Read more.

To address the challenge of quantitatively assessing the mentalization of emotions in color design schemes, this study uses Baidu Street View images and deep learning, integrates multi-source data, and innovatively constructs a color data model based on a comprehensive color indicator system for the quantitative assessment and visual representation of how the color environments of elementary school urban neighborhoods impact children’s mentalization of emotions. This model systematically incorporates physical color indicators, integrates elements such as perceptual frequency, and provides a novel perspective for color planning. The study’s results reveal that color metrics significantly impact children’s mentalization of emotions across multiple dimensions, with gender and age emerging as important influencing factors. Additionally, significant correlations were found between color and environmental elements such as building façades, roads, and signs. The study provides urban planners and architects with a practical color data model and recommendations for the revitalization of elementary school urban neighborhoods, offering a scientific basis for optimizing color design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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26 pages, 2773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Healing and Therapeutic Design Driven Well-Being in Hospital Environment

by Haoran Feng, Yi Liu, Zhen Liu, Ziyuan Chi and Mohamed Osmani

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2731; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092731 - 31 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6407

Abstract

Despite the growing awareness of healing hospitals, they are still far from being globally widespread, and traditional hospital building models are increasingly unable to address the serious resource constraints and environmental stresses that we face today. In addition, sustainable development concepts have become [...] Read more.

Despite the growing awareness of healing hospitals, they are still far from being globally widespread, and traditional hospital building models are increasingly unable to address the serious resource constraints and environmental stresses that we face today. In addition, sustainable development concepts have become key driving forces in the construction process of healing buildings. Currently, while research on healing hospital design continues to grow, there is relatively little that specifically addresses the integration of sustainable development concepts. Hence, this paper aims to explore the current state of development and knowledge structure of sustainable healing and therapeutic design (HTD) in hospital scenarios using a systematic methodology that integrates macro-quantitative bibliometric analysis and follow-up micro-qualitative content analysis methods based on data from the Web of Science (WOS) database, which investigates eight research objectives, including the background, current state, hotspots, high-frequency words, integration with sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG3, “Ensure healthy lifestyles and promote well-being of people of all ages”, and the challenges posed by public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 era, for sustainable HTD in hospitals. This paper identified six main clusters: the environment of a hospital, mental health, quality of life, illness and care, COVID-19, and wound healing. These clusters were taken from keyword network visualization analysis, emphasizing key terms focused on wound healing, mental health, quality of life, nursing, children, and evidence-based design via high-frequency keyword analysis. These have been further grouped into three categories: strategy, approach, and method. Subsequently, this paper further explores how hospital HTD relates to SDG 3 targeted on reducing child mortality (SDG 3.2), promoting mental health and physical health (SDG 3.4), and achieving universal health coverage (SDG 3.8) to explore wound healing, mental health, quality of life, nursing, and children, which are stressed in the results of both macro-quantitative bibliometric and follow-up micro-qualitative content analyses. In addition, it is shown that more changes should be made to sustainable hospital HTD in the context of the pandemic era to cope with unpredictable crises. Finally, the expression HTD is discussed to justify the keywords. The results of this study complement sustainable hospital HTD and provide assistance to future architects, policy makers, and healthcare professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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Review

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30 pages, 379 KiB

Open AccessReview

Benefits of Nature Imagery and Visual Art in Healthcare Contexts: A View from Empirical Aesthetics

by Eileen R. Cardillo and Anjan Chatterjee

Buildings 2025, 15(7), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15071027 - 24 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1135

Abstract

Public enthusiasm for the arts is high, a trend reflected in the increasingly commonplace incorporation of art in healthcare settings to enhance patient health and wellbeing. The primary aim of this critical narrative review is to evaluate the evidence for the health benefits [...] Read more.

Public enthusiasm for the arts is high, a trend reflected in the increasingly commonplace incorporation of art in healthcare settings to enhance patient health and wellbeing. The primary aim of this critical narrative review is to evaluate the evidence for the health benefits of the most common art intervention in healthcare—visual art in the built environment. This review synthesizes 25 experimental studies of adult patients passively exposed to nature imagery (n = 17) or other visual art (n = 8). Additional aims are to identify methodological limits and conceptual gaps, integrate the evaluation of studies with insights from empirical aesthetics, and propose a research agenda to advance understanding in ways relevant to clinicians, hospital designers, and policymakers. The efficacy of nature imagery is surprisingly robust given the limited evidence, consistently indicating reduced stress, pain, and anxiety and enhanced patient satisfaction. The impacts of other visual art forms and on other psychological and clinical outcomes are promising but inconsistent, requiring additional testing. Key opportunities for the future include tailoring interventions to the needs of different contexts and populations, deepening engagement, leveraging emerging technologies, capitalizing on underlying mechanisms, and demonstrating economic benefits. With rigorous, scientific study, this young field can inform hospital design, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the culture of healthcare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

19 pages, 1271 KiB

Open AccessReview

User Well-Being as a Paramount Challenge in Contemporary Built Environment Design: The Architecture of Psychiatric Hospitals and Its Influence on Treatment Processes and the Health, Safety, and Comfort of Patients and Medical Staff—A Systematic Literature Review and Insights from the New European Bauhaus Initiative

by Daria Pawlaczyk-Szymańska, Agnieszka Gębczyńska-Janowicz, Joanna Zdrojewska and Wacław Szarejko

Buildings 2025, 15(4), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15040558 - 12 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1141

Abstract

The natural environment, urban systems, and the buildings in which we live, study, work, or undergo treatment affect our mental health. The aim of this literature review was to verify the state of knowledge on the impact of the forms of psychiatric hospital [...] Read more.

The natural environment, urban systems, and the buildings in which we live, study, work, or undergo treatment affect our mental health. The aim of this literature review was to verify the state of knowledge on the impact of the forms of psychiatric hospital buildings and the architectural solutions used inside these facilities on their comfort and safety of use, more effective forms of therapy, and the health of patients, as well as the comfort and safety of medical staff. This literature review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The scientific databases that were accepted for review were Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. During the preliminary analysis, During the initial analysis, 175 potential publications addressing the architecture of psychiatric hospital buildings were obtained. After three-stage verification, 31 English-language publications qualified for the review. The review showed the state and form of the architecture of psychiatric hospitals. The obtained results confirm the significant impact of the buildings and interiors of psychiatric wards and hospitals on the safety, comfort, and well-being of their users, as well as on achieving better therapeutic effects. The literature review not only examined the current state and form of the architecture in psychiatric hospitals but also the architectural solutions increasingly used in these facilities in order to improve the quality of the space, which affects its users. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art and Design for Healing and Wellness in the Built Environment)

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