Abstract
Emergency departments (EDs) are critical healthcare environments designed for rapid medical response; however, their cold, stressful, and impersonal atmosphere often exacerbates patient anxiety and fear. The architectural design of EDs traditionally prioritizes efficiency and functionality over psychological well-being, leading to increased emotional distress for patients and their families. This research explores human-centered and neuroarchitectural design strategies to soften the emergency room experience, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of safety. Key interventions include biophilic design elements, improved acoustic control, warm and calming color schemes, ergonomic waiting areas, and intuitive wayfinding solutions. By integrating these strategies, EDs can transition from clinical, high-stress spaces to healing environments that support both physical and mental health. Using a practice-led research approach, this study examines real-world case studies and proposes design solutions that can enhance patient comfort and overall healthcare experiences in emergency settings. The findings aim to bridge the gap between medical efficiency and psychological well-being, advocating for a more holistic approach to healthcare architecture.
Presenters
Melis CanlıStudent, DLA, Marcel Breuer Doctoral School of Architecture, University of Pécs, Baranya, Hungary
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design
KEYWORDS
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, HEALTHCARE ARCHITECTURE, NEUROARCHITECTURE, PATIENT EXPERIENCE, ANXIETY REDUCTION, HUMAN-CENTERED
