--- title: "Healing Spaces in Healthcare: How Wellness-Based Design Elevates Patient Outcomes" description: Discover how nature-rich rooftops and healing spaces boost patient recovery and staff well-being, with design tips for rooftop deck systems. image: https://blog.bisonip.com/hubfs/BLOG%20IMAGES/healthcare-rooftop-amenity-decks.jpg --- [![Bison Innovative Products](https://blog.bisonip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BisonIP-logo-PMS425-2023%20(1).png?width=100&height=100&name=BisonIP-logo-PMS425-2023%20(1).png "Bison Innovative Products")](https://bisonip.com) [![Bison Pedestals](https://blog.bisonip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BisonIP-logo-PMS425-2023%20(1).png?width=100&height=100&name=BisonIP-logo-PMS425-2023%20(1).png "Bison Pedestals")](https://bisonip.com) 3 Dec # Healing Spaces in Healthcare: How Wellness-Based Design Elevates Patient Outcomes Posted by: [Bison IP Team](https://blog.bisonip.com/author/bison-ip-team) Comments: 0 Healing-focused design is becoming a core consideration for architects working in healthcare environments. With growing evidence linking access to nature with improved patient outcomes and staff well-being, many hospitals are reimagining how exterior spaces (including rooftop deck systems) can contribute to the healing process. Elevated decks supported by modular pedestal systems allow healthcare teams to transform underused roof areas into functional outdoor environments, strengthening patient experience without expanding the building footprint. ![Biophilic design enhancing a healthcare facility campus](https://blog.bisonip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/best-materials-for-healthcare-campus-biophilic-deck.jpg?width=5760&height=3840&name=best-materials-for-healthcare-campus-biophilic-deck.jpg) ### **Why Healing Spaces Matter in Healthcare Design** [Decades of research](https://blog.bisonip.com/hubfs/Infographics/HEALING%20SPACES%20v4.pdf?hsLang=en) demonstrate that exposure to nature provides a meaningful clinical impact. Hospitals offering accessible outdoor environments report measurable benefits, including: - Reduced length of stay (studies cite an average reduction of approximately 19 hours) - Lower pain levels and reduced reliance on analgesics - Improved cardiovascular stability - Decreased symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression - Lower mortality levels in certain populations These findings reinforce the role of biophilic design as an evidence-supported component of patient-centered care. When outdoor environments are thoughtfully designed (accessible, safe, and integrated into the overall care model), they become extensions of the healing process. ### Benefits for Staff and Facilities Nature-rich environments support far more than patient recovery. Healthcare professionals benefit significantly from restorative outdoor areas on campus. ![Planters for the rooftop deck in a Healthcare facility](https://blog.bisonip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Healthcare-rooftop-planters-for-the-deck.jpg?width=3264&height=2448&name=Healthcare-rooftop-planters-for-the-deck.jpg) #### Staff Benefits - Reduced burnout and stress - Improved workplace resilience - Support for improved day-to-day performance #### Facility Benefits - Maximizes previously unused rooftop space - Creates new functional zones without increasing building footprint - Adds flexibility for therapy, circulation, waiting areas, and family engagement For dense healthcare campuses where expansion is not feasible, rooftop spaces offer one of the most effective ways to add therapeutic environments. ### **Key Design Strategies for Wellness-Based Healthcare Environments** Architects designing healing spaces often focus on strategies that combine accessibility, comfort, and connection to nature. Effective approaches include: - Using elevated rooftop decking systems to create level, stable surfaces over sloped or uneven roofs. - Incorporating natural materials, warm color palettes, and vegetation to reinforce biophilic design principles. - Providing adaptable program zones suitable for physical therapy, staff breaks, quiet reflection, and family gathering. - Ensuring surfaces and transitions support mobility devices and patient comfort. These considerations help integrate healing spaces seamlessly into clinical environments. ### **How Rooftop Deck Systems Support Healing Spaces** **![A rooftop deck system with planters at the Children's Hospital of Orange County](https://blog.bisonip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Healthcare-rooftop-deck-planters.jpeg?width=1080&height=806&name=Healthcare-rooftop-deck-planters.jpeg)** Bison Innovative Products manufactures modular pedestal systems and deck surfaces that help healthcare teams create inviting, accessible rooftop environments. Recent installations, such as those at the [Children’s Hospital of Orange County](https://bisonip.com/project-gallery/portfolio?id=1584d585-9513-4dc0-bd87-fb9bac2854d4) (CHOC), demonstrate how elevated decks contribute to healing-based design. #### **Create level, accessible surfaces** CHOC’s rooftop decking system outside the pre-teen and teen rooms uses[Versadjust®](https://bisonip.com/products/pedestals/versadjust/) Pedestals to form a level walking surface over a sloped roof, supporting programming for patients and families. #### **Integrate multiple materials and programmed elements** The design team incorporated wood tiles, benches, landscaping elements, and artwork (including the Choco Bear sculpture) to create a restorative and engaging environment. #### **Protect waterproofing systems** Non-penetrating Bison pedestals help protect roofing membranes, an essential consideration for healthcare facilities managing sensitive building systems. #### **Support planting, seating, and flexible use** CHOC’s rooftop includes a 3,000 sq ft rehabilitation and play area and a 7,000 sq ft public garden - demonstrating how elevated surfaces can support diverse programming needs. #### **Enhance nature-based experiences** The Garden of Messages Wall at CHOC, filled with patient and family artwork, illustrates how rooftop environments can enrich emotional connection and support a culture of healing. ### **A Design Approach That Elevates Healthcare Spaces** - Healing spaces support measurable improvements in patient outcomes. - Staff benefit from restorative areas that reduce burnout and improve resilience. - Rooftop transformations maximize usable space within existing building footprints. - Bison rooftop deck systems create level, accessible surfaces that enable safe circulation, therapy zones, and outdoor seating. - Biophilic design, adaptable programming, and thoughtful material selection help create environments that support patients, families, and care teams. **Interested in learning more?**Sign up for our [CEC courses](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.aecdaily.com/s/bisoninnovative&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1763948706163994&usg=AOvVaw0O4-DVxJrEA_SbtIWf74Tu)to explore strategies for designing rooftop healing environments and complete your continuing education requirements. ### FAQs ### How do healing spaces influence patient outcomes? [Research](https://blog.bisonip.com/hubfs/Infographics/HEALING%20SPACES%20v4.pdf?hsLang=en) consistently links access to nature with shorter recovery times, reduced stress markers, improved mood, and lower reliance on pain medication. Healing spaces can support both physiological and psychological recovery within healthcare environments. ### Can rooftop deck systems as healing spaces fit within dense healthcare campuses? Yes. Rooftop decking system allows healthcare facilities to add restorative outdoor environments even when ground-level expansion is limited. Modular pedestal-supported elevated decks help create level, accessible surfaces on roofs of varying slopes and conditions. [![New call-to-action](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/21653911/77943794-0dcd-4213-8013-1f8882096c3c.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/21653911/77943794-0dcd-4213-8013-1f8882096c3c) ## ***Important Notice*** *Bison Innovative Products recommends that all rooftop deck systems should be installed by a licensed contractor with at least 2 years of proven experience. Plans/designs for a rooftop deck should be reviewed by a safety/structural engineer before commencing construction. The roof must be able to safely carry the static and live load weights of the rooftop deck, and any amenities added along with the appropriate density of any insulation to resist crushing and damaging the waterproof membrane. Adding items such as hardscaping features, hot tubs, or pools to a rooftop deck requires additional guidance and oversight from an engineer. Property owners should research and abide by any building codes and other regulations to obtain the required permits prior to having a rooftop deck installed. Please read all product specifications posted on Bisonip.com to review all information prior to any installation.* Share - - - ### About the Author[Bison IP Team](https://blog.bisonip.com/author/bison-ip-team) [prev](https://blog.bisonip.com/roof-paver-systems-key-epd-metrics-every-architect-should-know?hsLang=en) [Next](https://blog.bisonip.com/multi-family-housing-designing-rooftop-decks-that-elevate-community-living?hsLang=en) ### Posts by Topic - [Rooftop Decks (63)](https://blog.bisonip.com/tag/rooftop-decks) - [Green Roofs (37)](https://blog.bisonip.com/tag/green-roofs) - [Rooftop Deck Ideas (35)](https://blog.bisonip.com/tag/rooftop-deck-ideas) - [Biophilic Design (21)](https://blog.bisonip.com/tag/biophilic-design) - [Planters (8)](https://blog.bisonip.com/tag/planters) ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.bisonip.com/hubfs/Calculating%20Rooftop%20ROI%20for%20Luxury%20Hospitality%20-%20Main%20Blog%20image-2.jpg) [Calculating Rooftop ROI for Luxury Hospitality](https://blog.bisonip.com/calculating-rooftop-roi-for-luxury-hospitality?hsLang=en) July 15, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.bisonip.com/hubfs/streamingcafe_1.jpg) [Designing a Rooftop Deck? 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