How does your environment affect your healing journey?
In this deeply insightful episode of Designed 4 Recovery, host and healthcare architect ’Lowo Adeyemi explores the profound psychological and physiological impacts of the built environment on recovery and well-being.
From the way light influences our circadian rhythms to the emotional resonance of restorative spaces, this episode breaks down the sensory, spatial, and symbolic dimensions that define truly healing environments.
Whether you're a healthcare designer, clinician, planner, or simply someone passionate about human-centered design—this episode offers a compelling case for why design is not just functional—it’s emotional, cultural, and transformational.
🧩 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How the human brain responds to space—emotionally and neurologically
The five key dimensions of healing design: light, acoustics, biophilia, wayfinding, and psychological safety
Real-world case studies from Maggie’s Centres (UK), Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (Singapore), and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center (USA)
How spatial design reflects the emotional arc of a patient journey
Why cultural sensitivity is essential to designing truly inclusive, dignified healthcare environments
The future of healing spaces—featuring smart technologies, modular clinics, and trauma-informed design
🏥 Featured Case Studies:
Maggie’s Centres (UK): Domestic-scale cancer support spaces designed to feel like home
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (Singapore): Biophilic design that brings nature directly into the care experience
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center (Oregon, USA): ICU redesign informed by staff insight, resulting in better outcomes and reduced errors
🌿 Key Quotes:
“The brain is constantly reading the room—literally.”
“We are not designing for pathology. We are designing for people in their most vulnerable moments.”
“Healing begins not with a diagnosis—but the moment someone steps into a space that says: ‘You’re safe here.’”
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
Roger Ulrich’s study on hospital views and recovery rates
The field of neuroarchitecture
Design principles from biophilic design and trauma-informed environments
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Your support helps amplify the mission of dignified, healing-centered design in healthcare.
