An Investigation into the Qualitative and Visual Components of the Design of the Children's Hospitalization Space via Analyzing the Graphical Attitudes and Drawings of the Children

Children's hospitalization space can enormously affect their mood and mental states. Paying no attention to their needs can end up in behavioral disorders as well as their non-cooperation with the doctor. The present study aims to evaluate children's hospitalization room and finally to figure out their expectations and needs in the environment. This survey provides a particular pattern for hospitalization spaces in order to improve the quality of children’s hospitalization space. For this purpose, some suggestions were proposed according to the children’s opinions regarding the environment, which were obtained via their paintings or explanations. The research method was qualitative and quantitative and MAXQDA 12 software was used to analyze the paintings. One hundred samples were selected using proportional stratified sampling method. The results of the analysis revealed that the children were dissatisfied with their existing environment. Most of the paintings were emphasized on the use of light, plants, and rooms with large windows. They also emphasized on architectural integration with the green space, which according to the findings, can improve the quality of the space and create a sense of comfort in these environments. With the integration of ideas, strategies and research solutions provided on the existing issues, some specific guidelines could be provided for the design of hospitalization rooms, which can create a favorable environment during hospitalization and shorten the recovery period of the patients. Results obtained from this study suggest that the creation of green space, the layout of equipment and furniture in internal hospitalization rooms, color and exterior views are among necessary issues for creating a favorable environment for the children. By changing the indoor environment of medical centers (the use of children’s furniture, coloring spaces, providing a secure environments, etc.), it is possible to reduce stress in children. In construction of these medical centers, the focus was originally on the environmental characteristics that are consistent with standards and the functional flexibility. Moreover, environmental factors and complexity in spaces were not considered. Therefore, the points mentioned in the paintings and written data determine the environmental behavior reducing the children’s stress in these centers, which are not considered in the design of these environments, and in general, these spaces increase the level of stress of children due to the simplicity and lack of complexity. The software analyzes showed that some graphical factors such as ceiling decorations, the presence of tables and chairs, the presence of flowers, different floor covering, and, in terms of the children’s paintings, a view of the nature and the sun are important. The statement is supported by the written data that was the outcome of the children's explanation after painting. As a result, by studying the various dimensions of the needs and expectations of the users, the spaces should be designed and utilized with the highest level of quality and for the specific needs of the children. The findings indicate that the architecture of child-care centers, in terms of the vulnerability of these patients, can have positive effects on children.