| Title |
Quantitative Analysis of Biophilic Design Patterns in Korean Hospital Architecture |
| Authors |
박열(Park, Yeol) ; 류수훈(Ryu, Soo-Hoon) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2025.41.12.137 |
| Keywords |
Biophilic Design; Healthcare Architecture; Post-Pandemic Hospital Planning; Healing Environment |
| Abstract |
This study examines the application of biophilic design in hospital architecture through a comparative analysis of the five finalist proposals
submitted to the 2023 design competition for the relocation of the National Medical Center (NMC) and constructing Central Infectious
Disease Hospital in Korea. Using the revised 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design published by Terrapin Bright Green (2025) as an analytical
framework, the research develops quantitative indicators suited to healthcare facilities, including window-to-wall ratio, operable window ratio,
average view depth, green roof area, and water feature area. Based on competition panels, design reports, and drawings, each proposal was
evaluated and normalized on a 0?1 scale for pattern implementation. Results show that performance-oriented patterns such as Thermal & Air
Flow Variability were consistently applied across all projects, reflecting a post-pandemic focus on infection control and patient comfort.
Patterns including Refuge, Non-Visual Connection with Nature, and Connection with Natural Systems achieved relatively high mean scores but
showed considerable variation among proposals, indicating their use as key differentiating strategies. In contrast, Presence of Water, Dynamic
& Diffuse Light, and Risk/Peril were employed sparingly or experimentally, suggesting potential for greater sensory engagement and
experiential diversity in future designs. Overall, the findings indicate that domestic hospital design has achieved a standardized level of
functional safety and ventilation performance, yet the emotional and psychological dimensions of healing environments remain underdeveloped.
This study contributes to both theory and practice by offering a replicable quantitative framework for assessing biophilic design in healthcare
architecture and by identifying priorities for integrating healing environments with infection control. Limitations include reliance on
competition-stage materials and the absence of post-occupancy evaluation; future research should incorporate user-centered data and
BIM/AI-based simulations to validate daylighting, view, and ventilation performance under real operating conditions. |