Remarks of Architectural Design in Reducing Sound Pollutions of Healthcare Environments

Nowadays, previously performance-oriented architecture of healthcare centers has been switched to creating a healing environment; and one of the most important pillars to create such an environment is omitting sound pollutions. Today's hospital have chaotic situation regarding noise pollution not only in our country, but also in all over the world. The present study aims to provide a complex structured by practical approaches which are based on scientific evidences for designing environments without sound pollution in the hospitals which can be applicable for architects, interior designers, and other related specialties.This research has been performed using descriptive-analytical method and organized searching in authentic data banks was applied for data collection. After screening the collected documents, 30 samples were selected and after analyzing, interpreting, and generalizing the issues existing in these documents, the findings were structured and reported in six general classifications. Five set of approaches were described in the findings of this study as follows: 1- space planning 2- selecting materials and finishes 3- controlling the sound pollution out of the building 4- controlling the sound pollution inside the building 5- providing speech privacy index to achieve improved sound environments in healthcare centers. Also, specific acoustical needs for Neonatal intensive care and emergency department have been investigated in the present study. Application of the provided requirements in the initial stages of idea providing of planning, and building design will lead to desirable results to omit sound pollution and promote the quality of healthcare environments.