Healing Through Nature: Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) has clinched the inaugural Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award. Biophilic design incorporates natural materials, natural light, vegetation, nature views and other experiences of the natural world into the modern built environment. KTPH has surpassed traditional hospitals and has opened the door towards a new kind of building type for the healthcare industry. The design considers how the built and natural environment can become part of the healing process.
Biophilic Design Integration
Using biophilic design elements and attributes as a design concept
Designed to be ‘forest-like’ - water features with aquatic species, and plants that attract birds and butterflies were introduced. Greenery extended from the central courtyard to upper levels of the buildings and down into the open-to-sky basement, creating the impression of architecture deeply enmeshed in a garden.
Place-Based Relationships
Using specific place, climate and ecology of the building location to determine building design
To suit the local climate, indigenous tropical plant were
chosen for ease of maintenance. By providing host plants
and various habitats within the hospital grounds, the hospital
becomes part of the larger ecosystem encompassing
various green patches throughout the north of Singapore.
Climatic studies conducted revealed that KTPH is significantly cooler in the afternoon most likely is due to shading (i.e. lower heat gain) and evaporative cooling (i.e. water features). Read Full Article 
Interview with Mr Rasmus Astrup
