Determinants of Soundscape Design in Healthcare Architecture: A Case Study of the Pediatrics Department, Atieh Hospital, Tehran
Subject Areas : Interior Architecture
Michael Hakimi
1
,
Mahshid Motamed
2
*
1 - Architecture Department, Apadana Institute of Higher Education, Shiraz, Iran
2 -
Keywords: Soundscape, Acoustic Design, Therapeutic Space Architecture, Pediatric Ward Design, Interior Design,
Abstract :
Soundscape, as a key dimension of environmental quality in therapeutic spaces, plays a pivotal role in shaping patients’ psychological and emotional experiences. This significance is particularly pronounced in pediatric wards, where children exhibit heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli. The present study investigates the factors influencing soundscape design in pediatric inpatient wards and explores its implications for the treatment process. Employing a mixed-method approach—combining systematic literature review, document analysis, and field studies—the research develops its theoretical framework from international soundscape standards and relevant scholarship in sensory perception, environmental psychology, and architectural acoustics. Findings reveal that a well-designed soundscape extends beyond noise reduction, contributing to positive perceptual and psychological outcomes through the integration of natural elements, acoustic strategies, and spatial interventions. Results further indicate that enhancing hospital soundscapes can alleviate anxiety, improve sleep quality, foster a sense of belonging, and encourage children’s cooperation in treatment. The study underscores the importance of adopting human-centered and child-centered design principles in therapeutic environments—an approach grounded in both theoretical foundations and empirical evidence—that can fundamentally transform the hospitalization experience and elevate the quality of medical care. This research highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, healthcare professionals, and acousticians to translate soundscape design principles into practical, evidence-based guidelines for pediatric healthcare settings.
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