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Class overview
The objective of my capstone project is to apply research from my thesis to understand how architectural and interior design elements influence the emotional and psychological well-being of pediatric patients. Through this project, I studied how color, light, art, spatial layout, and sensory features can reduce stress and improve comfort for children in hospital settings. My goal is to translate evidence-based design principles into a visual hospital room model that demonstrates how thoughtful design can create a more supportive, calming, and healing environment for patients and their families.
About my research
In my research at Cook Children’s Hospital, I studied how architects, designers, engineers, nurses, and administrators collaborate to create pediatric spaces that support both emotional and physical well-being. Through interviews with professionals involved in the major renovations and expansions of several Cook Children's hospitals, I learned how design decisions such as wayfinding flooring patterns, color palettes, interactive murals, lighting control, and child-scaled details are intentionally crafted to reduce anxiety for children and families. I also explored how staff feedback, family advisory councils, and real-time observation techniques like Gemba Walks shape the layout and functionality of patient rooms, waiting areas, and treatment spaces. This research helped me understand how every design element at Cook Children’s is tied directly to patient comfort, safety, and healing.
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