ABSTRACT
A multitude of factors influence the determination of the best biophilic design strategies for any given building. This chapter discusses four strategy areas that look to establish a strong sense of “place”, or context, with biophilia in mind: climate, ecosystems, culture, and interiors. These starting points influence all building types, and can be excavated for opportunities to create unique and context-sensitive design. Two hospitals demonstrate two contrasting approaches to biophilic design. Eskenazi Health Main Campus in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital campus in Singapore are both public hospitals that provide care to the full spectrum of disease groups and patient populations. The two hospitals offer designers two vastly distinct ways in which to incorporate the natural world into medical facilities. Understanding its limits, the incorporation of natural elements—both direct and indirect—into the design of the built environment can have a profound impact on human health and well-being.
