The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is a rapidly growing entity. Between expanding the center (billed as “the largest ever project at The Ohio State University”) and ongoing and increasing research, the center has a lot on its plate. However, research is increasingly showing that creating healing environments using biophilic design (read previous related posts here and here) may be more effective than the environments of traditional medical centers.

The literal Greek translation of biophilia is “the love of living things.” Humans have an innate connection with the natural world, and studies have shown that if this connection is utilized and maintained, the healing process can be expedited in numerous situations, but especially in medical practice.

The OSU Medical Center is state of the art, but what would happen if it incorporated more of a natural component? Using the momentum of the Olentangy River restoration project, a natural healing center could be created on the Medical Center’s campus.

This healing center would be close to the river, and a safe distance away from the hospital itself. Techniques and structures from hospitals already using indoor and outdoor biophilia (see examples; pdf) could be incorporated into Ohio State’s own center. Plans could include everything from raised garden beds to furniture made from natural materials to musical therapy sessions.

By looking at both the patient’s healing benefits and the economic benefits, it is certain that implementing a healing center would help patients and help solidify Ohio State’s place as one of the top research facilities in the world.