It is natural for us to think of medicine as the medical field. Here, however, we will use it in the architectural context. We will discuss further the significant connection between architecture and medicine. Design, landscaping, zoning, and other planning issues pertain to architecture, while diseases related to the human body and function pertain to medicine. However, architecture can be used to treat a specific psychological disease. In recent decades, both medicine and architecture have undergone a significant transformation. Despite the numerous positive advancements made in both of these vast professions, there are still voids in regard to health in the urban fabric. These subjects also cover the growingly significant challenges of building Energy Efficiency, such as Green Construction, and the effects of a future with more Sustainable Building on the environment. Even though each profession is experiencing great advancements, including Green Building, Environmental Psychology, and Building Science in Architecture, as well as Integrative Medicine, Evidence-Based Design, and Environmental Health in Therapies, these sectors continue to become more and more complex. In order to promote best practices and the development of new systems, Architectural Medicine aims to integrate these many sectors. Additionally, it was developed to aid in the creation of healthier built environments for the areas of architecture and medicine as a whole.
The influence of the built activities on the environment and well-being is gaining attention, research, and acknowledgment. In their studies, both the medical and architectural disciplines are learning about this effect on human health. The necessity for these diverse sectors to link the “dots” of their research collectively grows as they evolve, for the purpose of both the health-related professions and those working in the built environment. It is equally critical that the general population, who are impacted and influenced by the building envelope – physically, intellectually, and emotionally – have access to knowledge that will help them maintain their health. Architectural Medicine connects these “dots” to offer updates on the most recent knowledge pertaining to various professions and subjects, as well as to assist in the construction of bridges for healthier, greener, and even more sustainable built environments.
For decades, industrial civilizations have affected architecture. As a result, public facilities like hospitals are frequently constructed to operate and appear like factories. Clinical practice in hospitals is primarily concerned with treating sickness while frequently ignoring a patient’s psychological, social, and spiritual requirements. Environmental characteristics that may be deemed psychosocially helpful have not been thoroughly established. Psychosocially supportive design excites and engages individuals, both cognitively and socially, and promotes a sense of control in the person. The primary purpose of psychosocially helpful design is to initiate cognition by capturing attention from people, which may reduce symptoms and stress pleasant psychological feelings. Health processes might be improved and fostered by employing a holistic design, which focuses on variables that keep us healthy instead of those who make us sick. The design aspects of a location where you live or are compelled to work, such as a company office, will determine whether you enjoy it. The materials used in the construction, as well as the furnishings for use and displays, all contribute to the creation of an ambiance that influences your behavior and the way you think or respond to events around you. In order to address a client’s psychological needs, architects must make a special effort to learn about their needs for space, their preferred colors, the furniture types that work well for their lifestyles, and other factors. This establishes a clear link between architecture and individual psychology.
Most individuals have a connection to nature, and many people place a high value on different natural areas. What is it about nature that helps people feel at ease? Does the natural habitat have varied effects on various people? Is it feasible to make broad judgments regarding nature’s effect on humans? Well, It is not enough to have a good interior climate to feel at ease in a setting. As they relate to health and wellbeing, light, plants, materials, building techniques, temperature, and air quality all play a part. People have a holistic perception, which means that our senses have an impact on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which in turn affect our entire body. When our senses are pleasantly aroused, we might feel energized or calmed. As a result, locations can impact our thinking and activity patterns, promoting motivation, being ready to act, and strengthening performance or focus. If we are unhappy in our surroundings, we may experience unrest or discomfort, hypersensitivity, tiredness, or even worry.
Architectural components may have a significant impact on the psychology of individuals who live and work in any location, as well as on attracting clients to commercial and retail establishments. A competent architect develops spaces that look attractive both inside and out and helps people feel safe and comfortable while they are in them. An architect would never design a negative space, but usage will often result in some of the intended rooms being dark and depressing, or lifeless and unused. Perhaps the healthy design of space is directly proportional to medicine since such environments keep people happy and can prevent other illnesses.
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Image sources
01_architecture in medicine_dochitect
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02_Psychological impact on architecture_miro.medium
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03_architecture as medicine_archipelago.be
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