The Utilization of Biophilic Arts Within Healthcare Settings: A Descriptive Case Study

Abstract

This descriptive case study explored perceptions surrounding engagement with nature-themed art, referred to as biophilic art, within healthcare settings. The operating research question was: In what ways does engaging in or appreciating biophilic art serve vulnerable populations in social service and healthcare settings? This question was approached in an interdisciplinary manner with literature and methods from the arts, sciences, humanities, and journalism. This study cross-analyzes three case studies. Case study contexts included a women’s residential recovery center, a cancer treatment center, and a foster care and family social service non-profit. This study offers a preliminary framework for future directions in biophilic arts research and artistic applications for healthcare settings. Methods included a quantitative and qualitative questionnaire and qualitative semi-structured and open-ended interviews, questionnaires, and fieldwork, heavily emphasizing arts-informed research. As a result of this study, three sustainable and permanent works of art were created. The first consists of a prayer garden, the second is a desert-themed nature video, and the third is an outdoor community gathering space. Findings reveal that participants responded favorably to the inclusion of biophilic art as a component of the healthcare experience for reasons beyond personal health. Keywords: Biophilia, Healthcare, Social Services, Public Art, Vulnerable Populations, Arts Research, Biophilic Arts, Health, Arts in Health