How Design Impacts Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-Being

June 14, 2023

As humans, we are constantly searching for ways to heal our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From traditional medicine to alternative therapies, the avenues for healing are endless. One unexpected source that has gained popularity in recent years is through the connection between space and healing. This concept involves using the environment around us to promote healing and well-being.

The idea of space as a healing tool has been around for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations that recognized the importance of sacred spaces for spiritual practices and healing rituals. Today, this concept has expanded to include a variety of practices that utilize space, such as Feng Shui, yoga and meditation, sound healing, and architecture and design.

Design and architecture also play a role in the connection between space and healing, particularly in healthcare settings. Studies have shown that design features such as natural lighting, access to nature, and calming color schemes can promote healing and reduce stress levels in patients. Hospital designs that incorporate these features have been found to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital stays.

As an award-winning design firm, Kolar has spent over three decades studying and executing strategies that optimize space for the betterment of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. One example of this is the recent renovation of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Critical Care Building.

Cincinnati Children’s operates as one of the busiest pediatric emergency departments in the country, seeing more than 60,000 patients each year. As a landmark, state-of-the art medical facility in the region and in the nation, it was important to seriously consider the impact that space has on the patients and visitors of the Critical Care Building and the effect it would have on their well-being. Kolar worked with multidisciplinary teams to bring Cincinnati Children’s Critical Care Building vision to life, including designing branded graphics, wayfinding, specialty and parking signage, and developing an artwork program.

Learn more details about the project here.

In conclusion, the connection between space and healing is a multifaceted concept that involves various practices dating back thousands of years.. By utilizing our environment in a way that promotes balance, harmony, and positive energy flow, we can enhance our well-being and promote healing. At Kolar, we explore the connection between space and healing, considering the inherent impact that it has had, and continues to have on modern civilization.

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