Symbiosis in Healing Environments: Integrating Biophilic Design and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in Endocrinology Diabetes Clinics

This paper explores the potential application of biophilic design and Maslov's hierarchy of needs within developing an existing building into an Endocrinological Centre, focusing primarily on Diabetic Care. Biophilic is explored as a tool to provide sustainability and support to achieve sustainable targets from LEED, confirmed and reflected by healthcare standards while enhancing the well-being and security of an individual using the space. The conceptual framework of this study merges the biophilia and life-centred framework into a point of data for further exploration. The methods utilized to gather data included a literature review, in-person interviews with medical professionals and administrative staff, a case study review, and in-person site visits of similar clinical environments. The results of these studies indicate the direction of resources to support the integration of biophilic needs in reflection of the hierarchal needs of the user within a clinical setting. Finally, limitations, obstacles and other hindrances to the study are discussed, reflecting data occurrences or connective information from research, which is further reflected and considered within the preliminary programming and conceptual approach to the design of the clinical facility.