Merna Mohamed Nagy

MA Interior Architecture and Design

Healing by Nature

A Biophilic Redesign of Al Qassimi Hospital VIP Suites

Design Statement: Having grown up surrounded by nature, I have always believed that the environment we inhabit can support healing long before medicine begins This belief became the foundation for my redesign of the VIP suites at Al Qassimi Hospital. Working in harmony with nature, the design draws inspiration from calming landscapes, open skies, and gentle greenery. Soft organic curves replace rigid lines, creating a seamless sense of flow, comfort & ease. Expansive sky views reconnect patients, visitors, and staff with the world beyond the clinical environment, while living aquariums bring the rhythm of nature indoors to help reduce anxiety and emotional fatigue. Every design decision was guided by one purpose: to create an environment where patients feel comforted, doctors remain focused, and healthcare staff experience genuine restoration.

Project Overview: Al Qassimi Hospital VIP Suite renovation reimagines healthcare environments through the principles of biophilic design, integrating nature into the built environment to support healing, cognitive focus, and emotional wellbeing. Located in Sharjah, UAE, the project transforms the hospital’s first and second floors into a restorative sanctuary where natural light, organic forms, greenery, and aquatic features replace the conventional coldness often associated with healthcare facilities. The design approach is supported by evidence on the positive impact of nature on cognitive performance and wellbeing, as informed by interviews and surveys conducted within the Healthcare sectors. By creating spaces that feel calm, restorative, and human-centred, the project aims to foster healing before treatment begins.