Design Strategies for Healing Internal Environments and Workplaces. A Theoretical Framework

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to construct a theoretical framework for designing healing environments by drawing from existing research. The approach of the paper surveys the literature on how elements of the design have been brought to bear on healing. This effort leads to a holistic approach that considers multiple dimensions of healing as both an individual and social process. The findings of the paper are harnesses that knowledge to provide a theoretical framework based on three design strategies: 1) supporting strategies that use specific elements to reinforce physical health, vital life energy, and psychological well-being; 2) balancing strategies that are oriented toward harmonizing those elements; and 3) nourishing strategies that address emotions, spiritual life, and the soul. Originality, in summary, this paper traces efforts to harmonize individual human health with the built environment across time and uses related knowledge to crystallize a new theoretical framework. It is hoped that this survey of the literature may add to holistic and systemic understandings of healing environments.

The Role of Design Characteristics in Enhancing Sense of Coherence in Workplace Environments: A Case Study of University of Mosul Buildings

“…Rate the highest agreement on clear functions distribution in the building (V9) is for building (5) with a value of (3.77), while the lowest value is for building (3) with a value of (2.55). Values higher agreement on the presence of attention to communication between the internal corridors and the external spaces(V10) is for building (4) with a value of (3.73), while the lowest value is for building (3) with a value of (2.50).…”

“…The results of the questionnaire of the selected sample of the study cases (5) indicated that there is a significant discrepancy in the responses to the study cases, according to Table 4 by adopting the five-point Likert scale as follows:…”

“…Accord values to pay attention to the presence of natural elements within the space(V7) was very neutral for all buildings with a value ranging between (2.10 -2.88), which indicates that these elements are not activated in the movement system. Rate the highest agreement on the ability to understand the building plan, buildings had (2,4,5) with a value of (3.88), while the lowest value was for building (3) with a value of (2.40).…”

“…One of the most important challenges of the psychological approach is the psychologically supportive design of our minds to create pleasure, stimulation, creativity, satisfaction, renewal, and admiration [4]. There are three design strategies of healing design: 1) supporting strategies that use specific elements to reinforce physical health, vital life energy, and psychological well-being; 2) balancing strategies that are oriented toward harmonizing those elements; and 3) nourishing strategies that address emotions, spiritual life, and the soul [5].…”

Restoration characteristics of the internal healing environments: The specialty of visually extended space neighboring multi-story housing

“…The definition of the World Health Organization emphasizes decreasing the importance of the idea that health includes the absence of pathological symptoms only and the importance of adopting preventive and curative measures accompanying the usual conditions of the individual. Healing design as a strategy of the design process could be achieved or based on three design strategies: 1) supporting strategies that use specific elements to reinforce physical health, vital life energy, and psychological well-being; 2) balancing strategies that are oriented toward harmonizing those elements; and 3) nourishing strategies that address emotions, spiritual life, and the soul (Younis, 2021).…”