LOOKING UP

Biophilic Design in Light of Art, Neuroscience, and Technology

Featured Installation: Vendome Hospital Offices

Beautiful and therapeutic medical office installation in Vendome, France.

Written by: David Navarrete

Vendome Hospital in Vendome, France, recently incorporated a series of award-winning Luminous SkyCeilings into one of their interior office spaces. This network of six virtual skylights was designed to create a single, integrated biophilic illusion of open skies.



Having visual access to a green exterior is most sought-after feature in commercial architecture and biophilic illusions are particularly effective in areas of a building observer, but unlike symbolic images, illusions of nature uniquely engage areas of the brain involved in spatial cognition.

According to published research, Sky Factory's open sky photographic compositions engage the cerebellum, often involved in depth perception. By creating perceived open space, an illusory skylight deepens biophilic engagement-the alert, but relaxed psycho-physiology we experience in undisturbed, natural environments.

Unlike most nature photography that elicits positive distraction, biophilic illusions are designed to recall a spatial as well as visual memory of natural environments. Rather than distract the observer, biophilic illusions reduce mental activity by creating an organic connection to perceived natural exterior that facilitates cognitive restoration.

The WELL Building Standard® has shed new light on the importance of biophilic elements in the built environment and enclosed interiors are a top area of concern.

The Luminous SkyCeiling at Vendome Hospital consist of multiple virtual skylights in modular arrays of 4' X 8' (1.2m X 2.4m) and 6' X 8' (1.8m X 2.4m) openings.

The SkyTile (image panel) dimensions for the Classic Luminous SkyCeilings measure 2' X 2' (60cm X 60cm). Custom sizing is also available in rectilinear, curvilinear, or combined.


Speak with a Sky Designer today to discuss the details about your project.



Sky Factory is the only designer of evidence-based, virtual skylights that also provides continuing education courses on the benefits of biophilic design. Our family of Luminous SkyCeilings, Windows, and Digital Cinema applications are biophilic designed products that provide research-verified, architectural solutions for a range of healthcare and commercial spaces. To find out how Sky Factory can bring the healing presence of nature to your organization, contact us today.

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