Inspired by nature, created for healing

Research has proven that exposure to nature can reduce anxiety and stress, which in turn can positively impact physical health by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.

The natural setting of UCI Health — Irvine alongside the San Joaquin Marsh Reserve nurtures this powerful mind-body connection, as do the hospital’s interior spaces, which are designed to be calming for patients, visitors and co-workers.

The marsh, a lush 300-acre wildlife reserve that is home to more than 200 bird species, was integrated from the start into the hospital’s design to maximize the healing benefits of nature.

“We decided early on that we would not turn our back on the San Joaquin Marsh,” says Paul E. Da Veiga, director of planning, design and construction at UCI Health.

“We wanted it to be part of the fabric of the entire medical campus.” 

Integrating nature

The vast plaza between the new hospital and cancer center offers quiet spaces to recharge body and mind. Stairs and ramps lead directly to the marsh’s edge, where a gentle breeze can lift spirits.

Those open-air healing qualities are echoed indoors with nature-inspired artwork and a serene, yet comfortable atmosphere. Numerous pieces of world-renowned art were selected for the hospital walls, primarily works of California Impressionism from the 1880s to the 1930s. Other paintings, photographs and sculptures commissioned from regional artists represent local environments to comfort patients with familiar scenes.

Much of the artwork consists of landscapes of Southern California. “It provides a healing environment for patients,” says Ellen Khoudari, senior project manager. “The first thing you’ll see in our front lobby is a digital screen with pleasing, expansive images of the marsh. 

"You’ll also find art all around you that is calming. We want everyone who walks in to take a deep breath and say, ‘I’m safe here.’”

Outdoor areas are landscaped with a variety of plants in many colors, textures and forms, allowing patients, visitors and co-workers to feel nature at work. They include medicinal plant species like aloe, agave and crassula to symbolize nature’s powerful role in healing.

Comfort for patients and families

To enhance the mind-body connection, floor-to-ceiling windows in all patient rooms allow natural light. The outdoor plaza also offers multiple spots for patients, their families and visitors to relax or walk. 

“These are alternative healing spaces where patients can engage with family and loved ones, which is important,” says Dr. Alpesh N. Amin, associate dean for Clinical Transformation for the UC Irvine School of Medicine and UCI Health. 

A quiet hospital

The hospital’s silent alarm system is intended to reduce anxiety by giving patients a quieter hospital stay. Alarm notifications will be sent directly to nurses and clinicians so that patients can rest, particularly at night.

Waiting rooms are also designed to produce a calming effect, with large windows, comfortable seating, ottomans and coffee tables. Every floor has a conference room equipped with a large kitchen area where families can congregate and have private discussions. 

Care for physicians and staff

To alleviate the burnout often experienced by healthcare professionals, each patient floor has a “lavender” room. These quiet, calming spaces feature marsh views, soft lighting, comfortable seating and healing artwork for co-workers to rest, reflect and decompress. 

Other areas allow clinicians to collaborate. Doctors also have lounges as well as 20 separate sleeping quarters.

Patients get the best care when their caregivers — their health professionals and their loved ones — are supported by a healing environment, Khoudari says.

“We want people to know that we hear them and that we are here to help them.”