BANDUNG NEUROLOGY HOSPITAL: DESIGNING SPACES FOR THE BRAIN THROUGH NEURO-ARCHITECTURE

• Main Author: Nagita Maidy Chandra, Menik
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Subjects: Bangunan publik
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/84717
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Our brain is the vital control center of our body, and damage to the brain can have fatal consequences for human survival. In Indonesia, neurological disorders are considered an iceberg phenomenon, with diverse causes, both external, such as accidents and physical violence, and internal, such as unhealthy lifestyles and aging. The treatment of neurological disorders varies depending on the type, severity, symptoms, and condition of the patient, encompassing medications, surgery, and therapy. Patients with brain damage are at risk of cognitive decline and physical function loss, thus requiring rehabilitation. In the context of the built environment, architecture can aid the recovery process through sensory stimulation, which can enhance the activity of the Reticular Activating System and the patient’s awareness, as well as help prevent decline and support the recovery of cognitive functions. The neuro-architecture approach applies principles of neuroscience in space design to enhance memory, cognitive abilities, reduce stress, and stimulate the brain to alter emotions and behavior. Although brain-specialized hospitals that apply neuro-architecture in Indonesia are still limited, research has shown the effectiveness of sensory stimuli in improving patients’ awareness and cognitive functions. The goal of this thesis design is to determine the needs of patients with neurological disorders that can be addressed through architectural design, the role of neuro-architecture in the recovery process of patients with neurological disorders, and the appropriate architectural design criteria for neurological disorders, and to apply them in the design. In the architectural context, the needs of patients with neurological disorders include an environment conducive to recovery and comfort, with sensory stimuli that enhance the patient’s awareness and response to the environment. Neuro-architecture plays a role in supporting brain neuroplasticity by creating a stimulation-rich environment that helps the brain form and repair neural networks and enhance brain adaptation. Architectural design criteria for patients with neurological disorders through neuro-architecture include multi-sensory experience, wayfinding and navigation, social connection and privacy, biophilic elements, volume, and personalization to address the issues of improving awareness, restoring cognitive and motor functions, and stimulating and forming memory in patients with neurological disorders.