Hierarchical Spatial Design for Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinics: Healing Architecture Approach

Abstract

Background

Research has demonstrated that therapeutic architectural spaces can significantly enhance patient treatment outcomes. However, current designs underutilize therapeutic potential due to three key limitations: poor environmental comfort, suboptimal health metrics, and weak cultural immersion.

Purpose

This study develops a healing-oriented spatial design framework for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics.

Methods

Forty-one requirements were identified through literature review, interviews, and WELL v2 standards, which were refined to 23 core needs based on environmental healing theory. The Kano model and Better–Worse coefficient analysis were applied to quantify their dual impacts on user satisfaction and health benefits.

Results and Conclusions

The four-layer design model comprises: (a) a Basic layer that strictly adheres to six essential requirements from TCM clinic standards; (b) an Enhanced layer that optimizes five performance-driven needs; (c) an Innovative layer that develops 11 culturally distinctive features; and (d) a Potential Optimization layer that formulates dynamic strategies for indifferent-type requirements. It provides the first quantitative tool for TCM clinic space design that integrates healing environment theory with TCM characteristics, highlights the value of the built environment as a nonpharmacological therapy, and promotes the paradigm shift of healthcare spaces from “disease treatment” to “health promotion.”