Passive Design Strategies for Sustainable Hospital Design in Tropical Climates: A Literature Review and Case Study of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Abstract

Healthcare facilities in tropical regions face persistent challenges related to thermal discomfort, high energy consumption, and limited access to restorative environments. This study investigates the role of passive design strategies in enhancing sustainability and healing outcomes in tropical hospital settings. A qualitative research approach was adopted, combining a structured literature review with a case study of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital to examine the impact of building orientation, natural ventilation, daylighting, and therapeutic landscapes on indoor environmental quality and patient wellbeing. The findings reveal that natural ventilation and effective shading strategies significantly improve thermal comfort while reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems. Daylighting contributes to improved patient recovery and staff productivity by supporting psychological wellbeing and visual comfort. Additionally, the integration of nature through courtyards, gardens, and visual connections to greenery promotes stress reduction and emotional restoration, reinforcing the principles of healing architecture. The study demonstrates that passive design provides a critical framework for developing resilient and energy efficient healthcare facilities in tropical climates. By prioritizing climate responsive strategies, hospital design can reduce environmental impact while enhancing patient outcomes. The paper concludes with recommendations for integrating passive design strategies into healthcare planning and identifies areas for future research to strengthen evidence based sustainable hospital design.