Ongoing - Lumina Paediatric Clinic

“Lumina Paediatric Clinic” is a conceptual healthcare design for children, set in the Truby King Historic Area, integrating natural elements through natural light and plants into its interior spaces.

In response to the stress often associated with traditional medical environments, the design is guided by Attention Restoration Theory and Biophilic Design, which highlight the restorative benefits of nature.

By fostering a connection to natural surroundings, the clinic aims to reduce anxiety, restore focus, and create a healing atmosphere that benefits both patients and healthcare staff, to mitigate mental fatigue.

Lumina Paediatric Clinic

Wellington, New Zealand
2024

Drawing inspiration from Colour Psychology, each room in the clinic is color-coded as a “Dopamine Block,” with a color scheme that helps create the corresponding mood and atmosphere aligned with its function.

Section View

The Lumina Paediatric Clinic is located on the former site of the Karitane Maternity Hospital. This location is part of the Truby King Historic Area, situated on a hillside in the Melrose suburb of Wellington. The rich healthcare history of this site is the most important reason I selected. I am trying to continue its legacy in healthcare. Just as a mother nurtures her child, this site, formerly home to a Maternity Hospital, now gives rise to a Paediatric Clinic, which symbolizing the inheritance.

These plants play a crucial role in Rongoā Māori for promoting health and wellness through natural remedies.

The glass atrium in the center brings the landscape into the interior.

My floor plan shows each room is oriented differently, providing both privacy and unique views. Vegetation is planted in the gap between the rooms, creating soft virtual barriers that block direct lines of sight while maintaining a natural calming environment. This design not only organizes the space in a way that is easy to navigate, but also creates a sense of openness and connection throughout the clinic. Those windows in between the gaps of the room allow people in the waiting area to maintain a visual connection with the outside nature from every angle.

Pale yellow is warm and comforting, perfect for a waiting area where to promote a positive environment.

The waiting area plays an important role in the overall experience of kids and their families. I hope it evokes a sense of home and comfort, with different seating options that connect users to the space around them.

A patient’s vital signs and weight are gathered in a Vitals Room before moving to an exam room.

Lavender is calming and soothing, which helps to reduce anxiety when patients are having their vital signs checked. The use of glass in this room is another way of apply biophilic design into interior and achieve attention restoration.

Pink is nurturing and comforting, helping to make children feel safe and cared.

Caregivers will use Patient Education Room to educate kids and their families, as well as work to reinforce changes in health behavior and build long-term relationships for the patients and the community. Light coral is warm and engaging, promoting communication and interaction during educational sessions between caregivers and patients. These circular alcoves function as both seating and windows, allowing visitors to maintain a visual connection with the outdoor nature, which aligns with the principles of Attention Restoration Theory again. They also double as cozy, playful spaces where kids can crawl in and relax—I’m sure they’ll love this feature.

In the Staff Office, Stone blue provides a calm and professional environment. The Staff Office includes Writing surfaces, Locks are required as this room will house patient files and sensitive documents. The staff will be technology heavy with telephones, computers, and printers.

Staff room includes staff bathroom, showers and lockers for personal items.

Bud green is refreshing and balanced, helping staff relax and recharge.