Speaking of old people.... there, I said it. Green hospital design! Just like the neglect of the eldery, health care designed is extremely underrated by the general public. Sure hospitals can be depressing, but designers everywhere are slowly curing the plague in people's minds that hospitals have to be depressing and boring. Think again my friends. New studies have shown the importance of green design and the incorporation of nature in health care facilities. A recent poll show that patients suffering from depression spent an average 4 days less in the hospital when they were in a hospital room that was east-facing with lots of sun exposure compared to those who were not. In fact, some doctors prescribe visits to the tanning salon for patients suffering from depression in the long Winter months. The reason is simple, sunlight = happiness! The UV Rays from the sun penetrate the skin and get the endorphins flowing. This natural process creates a natural happy feeling in one's brain. Without the sun, the world would be a terrifying place. It is funny the simple things that we take for granted, like every sunrise and sunset. The sun is the essence of life. Not only does it help plants grow and spread, or helps create natural energy, but it also allows people to function at normal or some-what normal levels. Due to these studies, hospitals everywhere are incorporating gardens and green spaces into there design, as well as plenty of sun exposure. From Zen gardens to central atriums to larger, clearer windows, the health care world relies heavily on the natural healing powers of nature and the sun.
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