When we think of hospitals as cities, we start to see the intricate ecosystem at play—a system that is operational 24 hours a day and requires seamless collaboration between departments and functions. But beyond this operational view, the real question is: How do patients, staff, and visitors experience their time in this ‘city’? For Studio STH, the answer lies in designing spaces that foster connection, calm, and care.

Patients come to hospitals not out of choice but out of necessity, often facing circumstances outside of their control. Their experiences are laden with trepidation, uncertainty, and, at times, fear. Visitors, too, often carry their own emotional burdens, whether from concern for loved ones, the memory of a past hospital visit, or the unfamiliarity of the environment. Meanwhile, the staff—from nurses and doctors to support teams—spend long hours away from their families, working tirelessly to make others well and whole again.

Understanding these diverse emotional landscapes is the foundation of creating hospital designs that cater to all. It’s about creating not just functional spaces but spaces that are welcoming, supportive, and nurturing—spaces that acknowledge the humanity of every person who enters.

In any city, the central square or plaza often serves as the heart of the community—a place where people gather, connect, and orient themselves. Hospitals, too, need a welcoming ‘heart.’ Entry experiences should set the tone, offering a sense of calm and comfort right from the start. Well-designed lobbies that integrate natural light, warm materials, and intuitive layouts can ease anxiety and create a sense of safety.

Spaces that mix functionality with community—cafes, shops, seating areas, and green spaces—provide visitors and staff an opportunity to gather, take a breath, and find moments of normalcy. These spaces transform a hospital from a place of isolation into one of connection, where people can momentarily step away from their individual concerns and feel part of a larger community.

Access to natural light and views of the outdoors is transformative in any space but particularly vital in hospitals. For patients, natural light has been shown to promote healing and reduce stress. For staff, it provides a much-needed sense of relief and orientation, offering moments to recharge amidst their demanding schedules.

The ability to move between internal and external spaces—whether through courtyards, terraces, or green roofs—fosters a deeper connection to nature. This biophilic approach not only improves mental health outcomes but also enriches the overall experience for everyone in the hospital ecosystem.

Just as a well-designed city is easy to navigate, hospitals require intuitive travel paths combined with effective wayfinding systems. These systems should take into account the diverse cultural backgrounds of users, ensuring that all patients, visitors, and staff feel oriented and supported.

Studio STH has pioneered innovative approaches to wayfinding, including the use of Aboriginal languages in regional hospitals. This initiative has yielded remarkable results, such as a 200% increase in presentations from local Aboriginal communities, underscoring the importance of culturally inclusive design.

Art is another powerful tool for creating a sense of community within hospitals. Whether through large-scale murals, interactive installations, or curated galleries, art transforms sterile environments into spaces of wonder, exploration, and connection. It invites people to pause, reflect, and engage, adding a layer of emotional richness to the hospital experience.

A hospital’s design must respond to the varying needs of its population while ensuring these different requirements interact harmoniously. For patients, this might mean private, quiet spaces that support healing and dignity. For visitors, it could mean creating places for reflection and respite. For staff, it’s about providing functional yet restorative environments that sustain them through long shifts.

Ultimately, designing hospitals as mini cities is about reimagining them as spaces that go beyond their clinical purpose. It’s about creating environments where people feel cared for, connected, and inspired—places that are not just functional but truly transformative. Studio STH remains committed to this vision, pushing the boundaries of design and innovation to build hospitals that serve as the beating hearts of their communities.