Colours, plants and first impressions: An architect's guide to human-first clinic design

To unlock how this human-first approach translates into our clinics and waiting rooms, we sat down with architect Pierre Escobar to explore design principles that elevate well-being from the moment a patient steps through the door.

What's the influence of architecture in boosting mental well-being?

Architecture has undergone a profound transformation in recent decades, increasingly focusing on mental effectiveness and well-being.

Modernism was shaped by medical discourse and the fight against disease. Architects like Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, and Mies van der Rohe used light, air, hygiene, and minimalism not just for aesthetics but to control germs and turn buildings into therapeutic instruments.

From the 1970s onward, postmodern and contemporary architecture broadened this focus toward holistic human-environment interactions. Evidence-based design in healthcare applies research to optimize recovery, cognitive performance, and wellbeing through light, ventilation, acoustics, and layout, while biophilic design integrates nature to reduce stress and support mental comfort.

Today, spatial perception science guides design in lighting, materials, and colour to create calm, supportive environments that reflect societal shifts in mental health awareness. Architecture now extends beyond hygiene, actively fostering a human-first approach.

How does a human-first approach translate into designing health care spaces?