Assessing Influence of Built Environmrent on The Patients’ Recovery Using Bioderversity Design Princciples: A Case of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Paediatric Centre

Abstract

Recent research has increasingly highlighted the significant influence of the built 
environment on patient recovery, particularly within the framework of biodiversity. 
This trend has been notably observed in pediatric healthcare settings, where the 
Integration of natural elements is believed to foster healing and well-being. Despite 
the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of biodiversity in healthcare 
design, its application in Nigeria's pediatric facilities remains largely underexplored. 
This article aims to bridge this gap by evaluating how the built environment of 
pediatric hospitals impacts patient recovery, specifically through the lens of 
biodiversity principles. The focus is on promoting healing and family-centered care 
as key components of patient well-being. The research employs a case study 
methodology, assessing the pediatric center at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching 
Hospital (ABUTH) using four core biodiversity principles: healing gardens, interior 
landscapes, natural lighting, and color schemes. The evaluation revealed that while 
the ABUTH Pediatric Center excels in natural lighting (70%) and effective color use 
(60%), it falls short in other critical areas. Healing gardens and interior landscapes, 
both essential for fostering a therapeutic environment, were minimally 
incorporated, with scores of only 10% for each. These elements are crucial for 
pediatric recovery as they enhance emotional comfort and support a more holistic 
healing process. This study's findings underscore the need for a more deliberate 
inclusion of biodiversity principles in the design of pediatric healthcare 
environments. The research strongly advocates for the integration of these 
principles to create therapeutic settings that not only improve emotional recovery 
but also strengthen the connection between patients, their families, and the natural 
world. By incorporating healing gardens, thoughtful interior landscaping, and other 
biodiversity elements, pediatric facilities can significantly enhance patient care and 
recovery outcomes.