The healthcare industry's backbone is the hospital, and hospitals must prioritise the well-being of patients, staff, and the environment. Hospital design plays a critical role in promoting recovery, productivity, and overall wellness. This article explores how incorporating flexibility and biophilic design principles can transform hospital architecture, contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) - Good Health and Well-being, and offer a blueprint for creating spaces that promote healing, inspire, and sustain individuals and communities.

Hospitals can create inclusive and supportive healing environments by embracing the principles of flexibility and biophilic design. The concept of flexible design allows hospitals to adapt to changing healthcare demands without requiring extensive renovations, reducing environmental impact and minimising operational disruptions. This enhances patient and staff well-being and bolsters hospitals' capacity to respond to unforeseen health crises.  

Biophilic design, on the other hand, integrates natural elements into built environments to promote health and wellness in hospital settings. Incorporating features such as indoor gardens, natural lighting, and natural materials that mimic nature can effectively reduce stress, improve mood, and accelerate healing, benefiting patients and staff. Moreover, biophilic design aligns with environmental sustainability goals by emphasising the use of natural materials and the improvement of indoor air quality.

Sunway Medical Centre serves as an excellent precedent for blending flexibility and biophilic elements to create a healthcare environment that is adaptable and conducive to healing. The facility's architecture incorporates spacious, light-filled spaces with easy access to outdoor gardens and natural vistas, fostering a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature. Furthermore, several hospitals worldwide have also served as great examples of how flexibility and biophilic design can be effectively integrated, such as the Alder Hey Children's Hospital located in Liverpool, England. This hospital incorporates extensive parkland views and indoor gardens, considerably improving the patient's experience and making the hospital feel less clinical and more comforting. Another hospital that uses natural elements to create a healing environment is the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore. It features lush gardens, natural ventilation, and water features that effectively improve air quality and provide an enjoyable experience for patients, visitors, and staff.

However, incorporating flexibility and biophilic design principles into hospital architecture comes with several challenges, including budgetary constraints, maintenance issues, and infection control measures. The strategic integration of flexible designs and biophilic elements, such as indoor plants and water features, requires careful planning to avoid problems related to mold, insects, and water leakage. Additionally, flexible designs must ensure the functionality and safety of essential medical environments are not compromised. Achieving the right balance necessitates a thorough, thoughtful approach that involves stakeholders from diverse disciplines in the planning and design process.

In conclusion, incorporating flexibility and biophilic design principles into hospital architecture is a critical aspect of hospital delivery and patient care that demands a professional and expert approach. Hospitals must prioritise the practical application of these principles to create environments that are not only visually appealing but also functionally resilient, offering a comprehensive approach to health and well-being. Adaptable and nature-inspired design principles directly contribute to achieving SDG 3 by promoting the well-being of people of all ages, reducing healthcare facilities' environmental impact, and ensuring that healthcare environments can withstand future challenges. Hospitals can play a crucial role in achieving global health and sustainability objectives by fostering environments that support physical and psychological well-being. 

Nur Faridatull Syafinaz Ahmad Tajudin
School of Arts
Email: @email