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MCDM AG.COM | M AY/ J U N E 2017 | Medical Construction & Design 47 Biophilic design incorporates our innate connection to nature into the built environment to improve health and well-being. The science is relatively young, but new studies and research results continue to support the importance of integrating natural elements and so-called biophilic design patterns into new projects and renovations. Nowhere is this more impor- tant than healthcare settings. Quantifi able benefi ts of bio- philic design include a reduction in physiological stress responses such as lower heart rate, respi- ratory rate and blood pres- sure. Biophilic design leads to measurable increases in positive emotional states, attentiveness, creativity, emotional stability and cognitive functioning. Add the heightened responsiveness of the parasympathetic nervous system and a reduction in the need for pain-related medica- tions and it becomes apparent that biophilic design is a critical element of healthcare design. There are a number of com- monly used biophilic design patterns, each providing an opportunity to incorporate bespoke design elements that promote the benefi ts listed above. Patterns include: Environmental features Visual connection to nature has been one of the most studied elements of biophilia, and most can relate to the relaxing qualities of warm sunlight on skin, the beauty of a fl ower or the calming quality of water. Elements such as views of wa- ter, landforms, vegetation, sky and animals support this visual connection. Access to water can have one of the most profound ef- fects on human health; design elements include indoor or outdoor water features such as refl ecting pools. Today's designs also facilitate physical movement to outdoor space that often includes an array of native plants. Such connections are considered essential in healthcare environments and are becoming a major driver in the design of large-scale urban healthcare projects. The Boston Children's Hospital Clinical Building project under construction, for example, is prioritizing outdoor spaces by integrating mul- tiple accessible garden spaces throughout the facility. Patients at the Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Health in New Haven, Connecticut have access to a rooftop garden with restful seating areas. Natural shapes and forms The next best thing to provid- ing direct access and visual connection to nature is the inclusion of design details inspired by natural shapes and Past, present and future of incorporating biophilic patterns in healthcare projects Anton Grassl/Esto Right The native landscape and refl ecting pool at the Smilow Cancer Hospital offers connection to water, proven as one of the most healing biophilic design elements. Tranquil and sensory-rich spaces, such as the peaceful garden settings at the cancer treatment facility, demonstrate prospect and refuge biophilic design patterns, and sound-healing nature immersions.