For a long time, hospitals have been viewed primarily as functional spaces, focused on meeting clinical and technical needs. But research environmental health is driving a broader vision: that of the hospital environment as an active component of care. In other words, as an element that not only complements medical care but can also contribute directly to well-being, risk prevention, and the recovery process.

An Environment That Can Help… or Harm
The hospital is not a neutral setting. Its environmental conditions can promote patient recovery, facilitate the work staff , and improve the experience of those accompanying hospitalized family members. However, if not properly managed, they can also increase stress, interfere with rest, and exacerbate preventable risks.

One of the most important factors is indoor air quality. In an environment where many people are particularly vulnerable, inadequate ventilation or the presence of pollutants can exacerbate pre-existing conditions and facilitate the spread of infections. In this regard, real-time monitoring and smart environmental control systems open up new possibilities for better adapting building conditions to the needs of its occupants.

The scale of the problem is significant. attendance infections continue to pose a major burden in terms of health outcomes, prolonged hospital stays, and economic costs. For this reason, improving indoor air quality should not be viewed merely as a matter of comfort, but also as a tool .

Noise, Light, and Rest
Hospitals are acoustically complex environments, filled with alarms, medical equipment, conversations, carts, doors, and constant activity. However, when noise becomes a constant presence, it ceases to be a mere nuisance: it can disrupt sleep, increase stress, and hinder both patient recovery and staff communication.

Lighting also plays a crucial role. Natural light, financial aid properly integrated into design , financial aid regulate circadian rhythms, improves mood, and can positively influence recovery. At the same time, well-designed artificial lighting enhances visual comfort and can reduce fatigue among staff . In other words, light does more than just help us see; it also influences how we feel and how our bodies function.

Nature Comes to the Hospital
In recent years, design has been gaining prominence in healthcare architecture. The basic idea is simple: to incorporate nature into built spaces to improve people’s well-being. In a hospital, this can take the form of outdoor views, therapeutic gardens, the presence of vegetation, warm materials, or better use of natural light.

It’s not just about making spaces more attractive. Growing evidence suggests that connecting with nature can help reduce stress, improve patients’ emotional well-being, and make the hospital experience more pleasant. Even when contact isn’t possible, certain strategies—such as images, virtual tours, or immersive experiences—can still provide benefits.

Designing to Guide, Reassure, and Care
Beyond the air, light, and nature, there are other design decisions design matter just as much. The layout of spaces, accessibility, wayfinding, and the choice of materials all influence the day-to-day experience within the hospital. A confusing environment leads to disorientation and anxiety; a clear, well-thought-out one conveys a sense of security and makes it easier to navigate.

In this field, neuroarchitecture offers a particularly interesting perspective. This field studies how the design of spaces influences our cognitive and emotional responses. When applied to the hospital setting, it encourages us to envision buildings that are not only efficient but also intuitive, serene, and capable of fostering a sense of control. This also applies to spaces that are often overlooked, such as rest areas, waiting rooms, or places designed for eating and unwinding.

Healing Is Also a Matter of Environment
All of this points toward a paradigm shift. The hospital can no longer be viewed merely as a place where treatments are administered, but rather as an environment that is an integral part of the healing process itself. This vision integrates environmental health, architecture, engineering, design behavioral sciences to rethink what spaces dedicated to care should look like.

In a society marked by an aging population, a rise in chronic diseases, and growing pressure on healthcare systems, moving toward healthier and more sustainable hospitals is neither a luxury nor a secondary concern. It is a necessity. Because, ultimately, providing care is not just about making accurate diagnoses or delivering effective treatments. It also involves creating environments that support, comfort, and aid in healing.

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Jesús Miguel Santamaría Director Biodiversity and Environment Institute at the University of Navarra. Ana Sánchez-Ostiz Researcher at the BIOMA Institute and professor at the School of Architecture the University of Navarra. 04.05.2026