Join AIA Baltimore’s Health and Wellness Design Committee for a partner program at the University of Maryland.

The space that surrounds us has a direct influence on our perception and thus on how we feel. Whether a room evokes a feeling of well-being or discomfort is directly related to how the room manifests itself. Architecture acts like a second skin. Atmosphere, light, color, acoustics and materials all play an important role. Nevertheless, it is not enough to simply add up these factors. In order to achieve the subtle spatiality that really “touches” us humans in the design, it is necessary to perceive and understand the real needs of the users, and not only the physical but also the psychological needs are of great importance. Only when the needs and identity of the users are perceived can one build for them.

People in healthcare facilities are particularly sensitive to the built environment because of their vulnerable condition. If this does not connect with their real needs, such as a sense of emotional security, this can lead to agitation, aggression and misunderstood behavior, while an environment with which users identify can create a sense of well-being and contribute to healing. Andrea Möhn has been researching this effect in her projects for years.