The rainforest-like landscaping at Singapore's Khoo Teck Puat Hospital infuses the atmosphere with natural sights, sounds and scents, according to an article on The Straits Times website.
Its design, which incorporates nature and its representations to improve people's health and well-being, won KTPH the inaugural Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award last month.
Biophilic design is based on the idea that humans have an inherent need to connect with nature and this connection improves their mental and physical well-being.
While research has linked green buildings to positive effects on health, more studies are needed to determine the link between biophilic design and patient recovery, said Professor Lam Khee Poh, dean of the National University of Singapore's School of Design and Environment.
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