| Authors |
Seo, Jae-Yeon ; Cho, Min-Jung |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK_PD.2019.35.9.65 |
| Keywords |
Indoor atrium; Therapeutic design characteristics; Children’s hospital; Spatial configuration; Design element |
| Abstract |
This study aims at analyzing the therapeutic design characteristics implemented in the indoor atriums of the outpatient areas in four children’s
hospitals in London and San Francisco. A mixed-method approach was used to examine the spatial configurations and design elements in the
atriums, while a literature review was conducted to understand the therapeutic design characteristics relevant to atrium spaces and children’s
healthcare facilities. The spatial design and the pattern of use of the atrium in each hospital were studied during field visits and interviews
with the hospital management staff. Based on the literature review and the observations from the field study, a Visibility Graphic Analysis
was chosen to examine the visibility, accessibility, and intelligibility of the spatial configurations in the atriums of each hospital. In addition,
the openness, restfulness, and vibrant ambience of the design elements in the atriums of each hospital were investigated by surveying
fifty-two design professionals on the quality of the design elements in the atriums. A spatial configuration analysis, confirmed that all the
atrium spaces had high visibility, accessibility, and intelligibility due to their high connectivity, integration, intelligibility, and because the
atriums were laid out in the open lobby space, along the major circulation axis, or in the circulation intersection. In the survey of the design
element evaluation, all atriums proved to be appropriate in terms of openness, while the adequacy of restfulness and vibrant ambience
differed depending on the hospitals. Notably, location and orientation, access, natural light, outdoor view, and play facilities were found
significant environmental design elements determining the successful implementation of the therapeutic design in the atriums. The observations
from the aforementioned are further discussed to enhance the therapeutic design quality of atrium spaces in children’s hospitals. |