After reviewing a series of published studies relating housing characteristics and manifestations of poor mental health (such as childhood behavioral problems and depression in adults), researchers were able to draw several conclusions about the relationship between housing characteristics and mental health.
Researchers have linked lower mental health care costs and lower residential instability for individuals with chronic mental illness to homes in newer and properly maintained buildings.
Several recently published reviews that examine the research literature provide information about the appropriate design of health care environments. Taken together, they are a useful and up-to-date starting point on approaching this research.
Arthur Stamps (Institute of Environmental Quality) studied enclosure using visual simulations with three varied properties: height of enclosure, permeability, and the perceived area of the enclosure.
Surgical patients recovering in rooms with a lot of natural sunlight require less pain medicine.
Juanita Dugdale addresses the current discussion about whether labyrinths can promote psychological and physical healing.
Environmental designers have only recently focused on the therapeutic effects of the outdoor environment upon those with Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study provides new insights for those who are trying to meet the challenges of improving the quality of life for those affected by this devastating disease.
Research is still critical to understanding how the environment can help support those with dementia and their families. Recent studies look at several sucessful indoor design interventions and provide outdoor design guidelines.
The physical features of the indoor work environment are closely linked to human behaviors such as creativity, teamwork, and leadership.
When presented with a turning decision, people tend to turn toward their dominant hand, and turn in ways consistent with the car-driving regulations of their homeland.
