HUMANIZATION AND BIOPHILIC DESIGN IN HOSPITAL ARCHITECTURE: STRATEGIES FOR MORE WELCOMING HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

This paper analyzes the application of the principles of humanization and biophilic design in hospital architecture, aiming to understand how these concepts can contribute to the creation of more welcoming, functional, and user-centered healthcare environments. The qualitative and exploratory research addressed the historical evolution of hospital architecture, current regulatory guidelines, the impacts of ambiance on the patient and professional experience, and the challenges and opportunities for implementing these approaches in hospitals. It was found that humanization goes beyond aesthetics, promoting more empathetic and respectful relationships in the built space, while biophilic design reconnects the hospital environment with nature, fostering the physical and emotional balance of users. It is concluded that the adoption of these strategies represents a necessary advancement in contemporary hospital architecture, integrating functionality, sensitivity, and social responsibility into healthcare.