Australia’s new high tech hospitals are part of a growing global trend in health-promoting architecture, and they’re attracting worldwide attention. Annie Reid reports
March 22nd, 2013
Based in Sweden, the founder and director general of the International Academy of Design and Health, Professor Alan Dilani is currently in Australia presenting the concept of ‘salutonegic’ thinking.
He’s interested in how the theory applies to the design of new hospital facilities, which in Australia have seen a new focus on links between design and wellbeing. He highlights projects such as Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, by Bates Smart and Brisbane’s Queensland Children’s Hospital, a joint venture by Lyons and Conrad Gargett Architecture.
“Australia is absolutely one of the leading countries in the world right now,” he says.
The thinking relates to Aaron Antonovsky’s proactive health theory of Salutogenesis. Essentially, it’s a different approach to health that focuses on promoting the state of wellbeing, to reduce stress on the body.
“If we provide restorative and high tech environments, people will restore their minds and cope with stress,” he says.
It’s achieved through a range of design elements, including building proportion, art, music, social support, uncrowded spaces, colour, daylight, nature and light, amongst others. In hospitals, using these approaches directly support improved health outcomes, not only for patients, but for staff and visitors too.
“Design is all around us. It’s not science, but design is art: a process of creativity. Therefore, buildings should have these types of qualities to make people feel good,” Professor Dilani says.
But the theory goes beyond hospitals and can be transferred to other kinds of structures, such as schools, offices, public institutions and urban environments.
Lyons is hosting Professor Dilani while he is in Australia. In Melbourne, he presented a series of lectures at the University of Melbourne.
“It is the responsibility of designers and architects to create environments that support people’s health and wellbeing,” he says.
Lyons
International Academy of Design and Health
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
With a design intent driven by empowering the end-user – be it individual or team – SOL-MIX aims to celebrate a new frontier for flexibility in the workplace.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
The official launch of the 2024 WA Architect Awards opens today – Wednesday 1st May – with the opening of the AIA WA Awards Exhibition.
Gray Puksand’s construction-focused facility at TAFE NSW responds to the critical need for a resilient Australian construction industry.