A Consciously Applied, Design-Driven Dialogue Can Improve Healing Architecture

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Architecture
• Design Theory
• Evidence-Based Design

Background:

• Evidence-Based Design (EBD) aims for rigor, sometimes viewing subjective input skeptically.
• Architects are increasingly exploring diverse knowledge forms beyond strict evidence.
• This study addresses the tension between different design knowledge approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a design theory for a design-driven dialogue process.
• To improve outcomes in healthcare architecture through enhanced design processes.
• To integrate tacit knowledge into the design of healing environments.

Main Methods:

• Discussion article based on personal introspection.
• Literature review.
• Case studies from three psychiatric care facility design projects.

Main Results:

• A tentative design theory for a design-driven dialogue is proposed.
• This dialogue process aims to leverage tacit knowledge for better architectural outcomes.
• The theory outlines how to consciously apply design-driven dialogue.

Conclusions:

• The design process significantly influences the physical environment.
• The physical environment impacts patient treatment outcomes.
• Design-driven dialogue offers a pathway to improve healthcare architecture.