Informing Healthcare Waiting Area Design Using Transparency Attributes: A Comparative Preference Study.

Area of Science:

• Environmental psychology
• Healthcare design
• Architectural aesthetics

Background:

• Healthcare waiting areas can negatively impact patient perception.
• Nature integration and transparency are explored to improve waiting experiences.
• Therapeutic effects of nature and transparency theory in design are increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate visual preferences for hospital waiting areas.
• To assess the impact of transparency and nature integration on preference.
• To explore design attributes influencing positive waiting experiences.

Main Methods:

• A survey method was employed using 21 images of waiting areas.
• Images depicted three typologies: no views, limited nature views, and transparent nature views.
• Ninety-five students rated visual preferences on a Likert scale.

Main Results:

• Transparent waiting areas with maximum nature views were significantly preferred.
• A positive correlation was found between transparency level and preference scores.
• Daylight, perceived warmth, furniture, orientation, and natural materials also influenced preference.

Conclusions:

• Transparent designs integrating nature are favored in hospital waiting areas.
• Design elements like natural materials and daylight enhance visual appeal.
• Further research with patient populations is recommended to validate findings.