Wold Architects and Engineers recently released results from its State of Community Facility Design survey, conducted by Wakefield Research, which highlights a growing trend: design is no longer just about aesthetics or functionality – it’s about creating spaces that promote wellness, safety and connection.
The survey found an overwhelming 86% of Americans believe that mental health and wellness should be prioritized in the design of community buildings, including hospitals. This sentiment was even stronger in younger generations, with 91% of Gen Z and Millennials advocating for greater mental health consideration in the design process.
Keeping survey results in mind, Josh Ripplinger, a partner at Wold Architects and Engineers, has offered the following key strategies and design principles to help integrate mental health and wellness into healthcare environments in 2025 and beyond.
- Biophilic design and views of nature create healing environments
Biophilic design in healthcare facilities promotes a connection to nature, which has been shown to reduce stress and aid in recovery. Elements like indoor gardens, living walls or natural materials like wood and stone help create a soothing atmosphere for patients, families and care teams, alike. While biophilic design integrates nature within the building, access to views of nature or the outdoors, whether through large windows or nature-inspired artwork, also provides a sense of calm and promotes mental clarity. These calming environments not only aid in physical recovery but also promote emotional restoration, ultimately improving overall well-being and happiness.
- Acoustic comfort for patient and care team well-being
Noise in healthcare settings, particularly in patient rooms or emergency areas, can significantly impact mental wellbeing. To mitigate this, designers can focus on creating acoustically optimized environments that reduce stress and improve focus. This could include soundproofing patient rooms, implementing noise-reducing materials in corridors, adding designated quiet zones and considering on-stage/off-stage design to separate noisy, high-traffic areas from more serene spaces. A quieter, calmer environment is essential for both patients’ recovery and care teams’ performance, especially in high-stress situations.
- Respite areas promote wellness
In stressful healthcare environments, creating designated areas of respite can greatly support the wellbeing of both patients and care teams. These spaces offer a quiet retreat, allowing individuals to step away from the intense energy of medical settings to recharge physically and mentally. Integrating calming features like soft lighting, comfortable seating and nature-inspired elements can make these areas more effective in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. By prioritizing respite areas, healthcare facilities can support recovery, reduce anxiety and burnout and improve overall satisfaction for both patients and care teams, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more restorative environment.
The survey results make one thing clear: the role of architecture in supporting mental health and wellbeing is more critical than ever. As the demand for environments that promote holistic wellbeing grows, the design of healthcare spaces must evolve to include elements that support mental, emotional and social wellness.
