Current trends in art and design for paediatric wellness in built environments (2020-2025): a thematic review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Pediatric Design
• Healthcare Architecture

Background:

• Art and design interventions are crucial for pediatric wellness in built environments like hospitals and schools.
• Existing literature is fragmented, lacking a holistic approach to children's psychological, sensory, and physical needs.
• A comprehensive review is needed to integrate design strategies for improved pediatric well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent literature (2020-2025) on design strategies and pediatric well-being.
• To identify prevailing trends and themes in pediatric environmental design.
• To address the gap in holistic integration of design for children's needs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic thematic review approach (TreZ).
• Searched Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases.
• Included 25 relevant studies based on strict inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• Identified five major thematic domains: biophilic/nature-based, playful/interactive, sensory/emotional, inclusive/family-centered, and aesthetic/cultural/identity-oriented design.
• Revealed a lack of interdisciplinary integration among design approaches.
• Found limited empirical validation for current design strategies in promoting pediatric well-being.

Conclusions:

• Emphasized the need for cross-thematic integration of design strategies.
• Highlighted the importance of greater child participation in the design process.
• Called for rigorous post-occupancy evaluations and exploration of smart technologies for restorative environments.