- Explore how Anita Lang is transforming Stills Lasting Wellness Clinic using biophilic design principles to improve healing and patient well-being.
- See key features: natural light, organic materials, plant integration, sensory zones, and brand‑aligned ambiance.
- Understand the strategic design process, from research and concept to execution and impact.
Why Biophilic Wellness Clinic Design Matters
When award-winning interior designer Anita Lang begins a project, her first step is to listen to her clients. This allows her to truly understand a space’s functional requirements and, more importantly, provides invaluable insight into its soul.
“From my earliest conversations with Dr. Sharon Stills, my vision for the Stills Lasting Wellness Clinic was clear: to create a restorative sanctuary where patients can reset their nervous systems, ground back to balance, and be gently guided back to wholeness,” explained Anita.
To achieve this, Anita turned to the principles of biophilic design. This science-backed, soul-centered ethos draws from the inherent human affinity for nature and its proven ability to reduce stress, accelerate healing, and restore emotional equilibrium 1. The central Zen garden, which greets patients at the clinic, serves as a spatial and spiritual anchor, a reminder of the stillness and growth at the heart of healing.
From there, each design element, from the gently flowing hallways to the natural light that strategically filters throughout the facility as the day unfolds, intentionally adheres to the overarching biophilic design language. These restorative design features create a space that transcends treatments, inviting patients into a deeper experience of healing, presence, and renewal.
Design Principles That Drive Healing
For the Stills Lasting Wellness Clinic, Anita went beyond the conventional constructs of clinical settings to sculpt an environment that actively participates in the healing journey.
- Natural Flow and Ease: From the moment a patient arrives, they are guided by gentle curving walls that soften circulation and encourage a slower, more mindful pace. The natural flow of the pathways creates a feeling of being held and supported, promoting a sense of ease that gently supports the patient journey.
- Grounding Presence: Our connection to the natural world is primal. Tapping into this, Anita layered the clinic with materials that speak to the senses: an interplay between wood, stone, and sunlight. These biophilic interior design elements help ground patients in the present moment, reminding them that healing is a process of growth, clarity, and returning to our nature.
- Spaces for Each Stage of Healing: Anita’s extensive conversations with Dr. Stills helped her understand that the clinic required various spaces intentionally designed for each stage of healing – environments that honor solitude, connection, and the fluid emotional needs that arise throughout healing.
The Stills Lasting Wellness Clinic’s design was guided by the belief that the spaces we inhabit can and should contribute to our well-being. By weaving together the principles of biophilic design, softened architecture, and a deep understanding of the patient experience, a sanctuary that nurtures each stage of healing was created.
Stills Lasting Wellness Clinic Design Highlights
While each element of the clinic was crafted with the intention to soothe, center, and support the healing process, certain areas highlight the project’s commitment to creating a therapeutic environment. For instance, in the IV Therapy Lounge, Anita designed intimate pods where patients can retreat into their own space during treatment. To balance privacy with presence, the space offers generous views of Tucson’s sun-kissed outdoors, giving patients access to nature’s restorative energy.
The focus was on organic textures and soft acoustics for the clinic’s Meditation Room, which was designed to create a tranquil cocoon, a space to look inward, quiet the mind, and nurture the spirit. This sanctuary within a sanctuary is minimal yet immersive, symbolizing the clinic’s foundational purpose of creating a space that supports true, lasting transformation from the inside out.
Unique Feature That Sets This Clinic Apart
According to Anita, “what sets the Stills Lasting Wellness Clinic apart is not a single design element, but the intentional narrative woven into the patient’s journey through the space. We call this the ‘Healing Journey Flow,’ which is a form of spatial storytelling where each area is thoughtfully sequenced to guide a patient through deepening layers of sensory experience, subtly preparing their mind and body for healing.”
The journey begins as soon as one enters. The waiting lounge grounds visitors with a palette of muted, organic hues, soft taupes, warm creams, and nature-inspired greens, to help calm the nervous system. Natural light is choreographed throughout the clinic to mirror circadian rhythms, with living plants evoking a sense of serenity and vitality. Transition corridors with soft curves and rich textures guide you inward, complemented by softer acoustics and more intimate lighting, a subtle shift that prepares you for the work ahead.
This carefully sequenced flow is Anita’s way of ensuring the environment actively participates in wellness. It’s a physical manifestation of the healing process itself, a journey from the open, sunlit world into a quiet, protected sanctuary and back out again, renewed.
Sustainability & Operational Benefits
Throughout the design process, Anita worked closely with Dr. Stills to ensure that intentional, enduring sustainability matches her lifelong dedication to holistic wellness. Guided by this principle, she maximized natural light, curated durable, green-certified materials, and incorporated low-maintenance native plants. These eco-conscious choices foster a healthier indoor environment for patients and staff, which is a foundational benefit supporting the clinic’s healing mission from the inside out.
From Vision to Realization
“I believe that to create a space with true intention, I must first understand the soul of the vision. For the Stills Lasting Wellness Clinic, this meant immersing myself in Dr. Stills’ philosophy of healing, exploring not just the functional needs of a clinic but also the emotional and spiritual journey of its future patients,” explained Anita.
This empathetic exploration offered invaluable insights that guided the creation of an environment that is both highly personal and intuitively aligned with its purpose.
FAQs
- What is biophilic interior design, and how does it benefit wellness clinics?
Biophilic interior design integrates elements, such as natural lighting, organic materials, greenery, and textures into built environments to tap into people’s inherent desire to connect with the natural world. Research shows that healing spaces designed with biophilic principles can lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure, improve air quality, and elevate the patient experience. - What type of biophilic features are often incorporated into design?
IMI Design typically recommends sustainable solutions such as low-maintenance greenery, reclaimed wood, and durable materials that age well, such as patina-grade finishes. In addition, many biophilic features focus on daylight optimization, energy-efficient airflow systems, and the use of natural light to mirror circadian rhythms. Living plants, rich textures, soft organic color palettes, and acoustics designed for tranquility are also often incorporated. - Can biophilic design improve patient outcomes or staff well-being?
Yes. Environments incorporating natural elements and creating multi-sensory, restorative spaces improve patient outcomes and staff well-being. Patients feel safer and calmer; staff report less fatigue and greater focus. When the space supports healing, the entire care experience is elevated.
References:
- Frontiers in Built Environment (September 4, 2024). A systematic review of the impact of therapeutical biophilic design on health and wellbeing of patients and care providers in healthcare services settings
- Dr. Sharon Stills (n.d.) Testimonials