Studies show time with nature boosts the immune system, helps hospital patients recover more quickly, acts like a natural antidepressant, and reduces both blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol. Researchers recently crunched numbers on being in nature and it’s effects on health care costs. 

As research has linked green buildings to positive effects on people’s health, the goal of design is aimed to influence patient and staff’s psychological and physiological response to their own space, further creating a more helpful healing environment and reducing the length of patient stay.


“We’re seeing more and more of a focus on this intersection between the built environment and occupant health, and what role can building and interior design play on helping people to be healthier,” Cordell said. “As people start to expect that more often from their environment, I think we’re going see things like biophilic strategies become something that more clients are looking for and expecting.”