TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Typology
4. Need for Topic
5. Synopsis-1
6. Synopsis-2
7. Literature Study
8. Literature Case Study
9. Live Case Study
10. Site
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ABSTRACT
Healthcare is changing, moving beyond just clinical functionality
to include design that promotes healing and wellness. This thesis
looks at the concept of a biophilic rehabilitation centre, where the
restorative power of nature meets barrier free design.
This thesis reviews the existing research on biophilic design
principles and their impact on patient outcomes in healthcare.
Then it proposes a design framework for a biophilic rehabilitation
centre and combines those principles with barrier free design.

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INTRODUCTION
This thesis looks into the theoretical framework of biophilic design and its applications in
rehabilitation. It will explore the best practices of integrating biophilic elements with barrier
free design to have a functional and inclusive space.

Through a critical review of literature, case studies and potentially user studies this thesis will
contribute to the development of rehabilitation centres. The ultimate goal is to design a
biophilic rehabilitation centre with barrier free design that optimizes healing, well-being and
sense of inclusion for all users.

This thesis says biophilic design is a way to approach rehabilitation centre design. By creating a
healing environment that is well and clinical the biophilic rehabilitation centre can improve the
overall patient experience and speed up recovery.
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TYPOLOGY
Healthcare
medical care and therapy
Although rehabilitation centres
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design is treatment and recovery

focused align with healthcare, and
rehab centres are regulated by
government or healthcare standards support long-term stays, they
are similar to institutional
Institutional typology because they promote
patients are offered residence either
for short or long time
a supportive living environment
some programs insist on specific for patients.
hours for certain activities just like
what happens in institutions
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NEED FOR TOPIC
Biophilic design and barrier-free architecture are crucial for creating inclusive and healing
1
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environments in rehabilitation centres.

Biophilic design lowers stress levels and anxiety, promotes better healing, alleviates pain
2
naturally, and boosts morale and engagement.
Barrier-free architecture facilitates universal accessibility, allowing patients with
3
disabilities to utilize the center and receive all-inclusive healthcare services.
This holistic approach ensures tranquility and connection with nature while ensuring equal
4
access to vital services.
Functional recovery alone is not enough; emotional and psychological aspects should also be
5
considered for a healthier life for patients.
 SYNOPSIS-1 5
Aim
To design a biophilic rehabilitation centre that promotes healing, recovery, and social interaction for all users, by
integrating evidence-based biophilic elements and accessible design principles.

Objective
Evaluate the capability of biophilic design elements to enhance patient wellness and recovery in a rehab setting.
Create a design model for a biophilic rehab centre that incorporates major biophilic fundamentals into universal
architecture requirements.
Analyse the financial and social advantages of a barrier-free biophilic rehabilitation centre over the traditional
ones.
Discover and solve any challenges that may arise when establishing a barrier-free biophilic rehab facility.
Suggest the most efficient ways of building, operating and designing biophilic rehab centres that are barrier-free.
Design rehabilitation centres which give priority to user comfort, privacy and a feeling of control over the
environment.
Suggest actions to be taken in a biophilic rehab centre that will blend biophilic elements with accessible features
creating an all-inclusive environment.

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 SYNOPSIS-2 6
Scope
·To investigate the quantifiable impact of biophilic layout constituents on patient welfare and recuperation.
·Developing a feasible design model for a biophilic convalescent home.
·The planning and possible advantages of a biophilic convalescent home featuring inclusive architecture.
·Focus on the architectural layout and integration of key biophilic features.

Limitations
Not focusing on the highly detailed engineering specifications.
Acquiring real-time patient data would be challenging.
Demonstrating the long-term impact of biophilic design on patient recovery rates or overall healthcare costs might
require extended studies beyond the scope of a thesis.
Measuring patient well-being can be subjective. While one can use standardized surveys and questionnaires,
acknowledge that perceptions of a biophilic environment might vary among patients.

Preliminary Research Literature Review Case Studies User Studies Develop Design

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 LITERATURE STUDY
1)Biophilic Design and Human Well-being:
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"Biophilia Hypothesis" by E.O. Wilson: This foundational text explores the human tendency to connect with nature and its positive impact on
our well-being.
"The Biophilic City" by Timothy Beatley: This book delves into how incorporating biophilic elements into urban environments can enhance
human health and happiness.
Studies by Roger Ulrich: Explore the link between exposure to nature (views of natural landscapes) and reduced stress levels in hospital
patients.
Research by Kellert and Heerwagen: Investigate the connection between access to nature and improved mood, vitality, and mental well-being.
Investigations by Grahn et al.: Analyse the influence of greenery on cognitive function, such as attention and memory.
2)Biophilic Design in Healthcare Settings:
Studies by Van den Berg or Oberascher: Examines the impact of incorporating nature elements into hospitals or healthcare facilities on patient
outcomes (stress reduction, pain management, recovery rates).
Research by Bringsli: Analyses how biophilic design affects staff well-being and job satisfaction in healthcare settings.
Case studies or design analyses of existing biophilic rehabilitation centres: Identify successful implementations of biophilic design principles
in real-world rehabilitation facilities.
3)Barrier-Free Architecture and Guidelines:
Explore the guidelines and regulations set forth by relevant building code authorities in the chosen location (MoUD guidelines and CPWD
publications in India).
Analyse research on best practices for universal design and inclusive built environments. Resources by The Centre for Universal Design or The
National Clearinghouse for Universal Design Information can be helpful.

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LITERATURE CASE STUDY
Moss Rehabilitation
Moss Rehab is a renowned inpatient The Maggie's Centre
and outpatient physical This Maggie's Centre provides
rehabilitation centre. They've woven support and care for people living
biophilic design principles with cancer. Biophilic design plays a
throughout their facility to create a crucial role in creating a calming and
healing environment that fosters restorative environment. Located in
recovery and well-being. Located in Gartnavel, Scotland.
Pennsylvania, USA

Rehabilitation Centre Groot

Physical Rehabilitation Center: Klimmendaal:
Designed by Twisted Dot Designed by Koen van Velsen, sitting
Architecture Studio, located in in a forest in the Netherlands, Dutch,
Vălenii de Munte, Romania, was this rehabilitation center engages
designed inspired by nature’s hand its users with the nature
in healing for patients needing surrounding it while also using it to
physical rehabilitation. be secluded from the rest of the
world.

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LIVE CASE STUDY

Drug De-addiction Centre for Muktangan Mitra: Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre (SUHRC)
Designed by Shirish Beri in Pune, India, the design of the The Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre is a
rehab center was formed around the intention that the great example of how biophilic design principles can be
design reflects the behavioral psychology of its users. implemented in a healthcare setting. The hospital is situated
The building and its spaces in both physical and visual within the vast Symbiosis International University campus,
aspects inform freedom and transparency, giving a sense surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain range. This provides a
of freedom for its users to open up. natural backdrop and connection to the outdoors for
patients.

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SITE

Location: Yelahanka Location: Kothanur

Area: 3.7 Acres Area: 7.3 Acres
Land Use: Public/ Semi-Public Land Use: Public/ Semi-Public
Residential Area Residential Area

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THANK YOU
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