Architecting Wellness: Inside Bing Xue’s Patient-Centered Design Philosophy

I am Bing Xue, a distinguished and internationally recognised healthcare architectural designer celebrated for my extraordinary ability to craft innovative and impactful designs that advance the field of healthcare architecture.

My work bridges cutting-edge architectural practices and healthcare innovation, shaping environments that enhance patient care, promote healing, and set new benchmarks in the industry. I hold a master’s degree from the prestigious Clemson Architecture + Health program, renowned for cultivating leaders in healthcare design.

Currently, I am a healthcare architectural designer at the Atlanta office of Perkins&Will, one of the most prestigious global architecture firms. At Perkins&Will, I contribute to high-profile healthcare projects, applying my exceptional skills to create transformative spaces that blend functionality, aesthetics, and innovation.

Before joining Perkins&Will, I honed my expertise at Hammel, Green and Abrahamson (HGA), a highly respected firm recognised for its excellence in architectural design.

Healthcare architecture, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. Hospitals are spaces that everyone will experience at some point in their lives, from the moment of birth to the final stages of life.

These environments are critical to the human experience—they are where lives begin, where healing happens, and where families come together in times of joy or difficulty. I wanted to dedicate my career to designing spaces that not only provide medical care but also foster comfort, dignity, and healing for patients, families, and staff.

For me, healthcare design is about creating more than just functional buildings; it’s about designing environments that promote physical recovery, emotional well-being, and a sense of hope. By integrating elements like natural light, biophilic features, and intuitive layouts, I strive to design spaces that reduce stress, enhance patient outcomes, and support the caregivers who dedicate their lives to helping others.

My goal is to ensure that these spaces are inclusive, adaptable, and deeply human-centred—meeting the diverse needs of individuals and communities while anticipating the future of healthcare delivery.

Through my work, I aim to make a lasting impact by shaping spaces that truly help and heal people, recognising the essential role healthcare architecture plays throughout every stage of life.

I am an architectural designer at the Atlanta office of Perkins&Will, one of the world’s leading architecture firms, renowned for its expertise in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, and landscape architecture. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, Perkins&Will is dedicated to creating spaces that inspire, heal, and connect communities across the globe.

In my role, I contribute to the design and delivery of healthcare projects by developing schematic designs, preparing detailed construction documents, and ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations. My work involves conducting in-depth site analyses, assisting in the selection and integration of specialised medical equipment, and collaborating closely with engineers, consultants, and project stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution.

To me, design is more than just art or functionality—it is a form of therapy. It is a deliberate and compassionate process of shaping environments that nurture both the body and mind. Good design has the power to heal, providing spaces that offer comfort, reduce stress, and foster a sense of safety and well-being.

In healthcare architecture especially, design transcends aesthetics and becomes a tool for recovery. It can transform hospitals into places of hope and connection, where thoughtful layouts, natural light, and calming materials work together to ease anxiety and promote healing.

Design is an act of advocacy, a way to honour the needs and values of its users by creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and improve quality of life. Ultimately, design is about building environments that empower people to thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially.

My favourite kind of design is healthcare design because it offers the unique opportunity to impact lives in meaningful ways, addressing both mental and physical well-being while upholding human dignity. Healthcare spaces are where some of the most profound moments of life unfold—from birth to recovery and, in some cases, end-of-life care. Designing these spaces requires a deep understanding of the human experience and a commitment to creating environments that promote healing, comfort, and respect.

What I find most rewarding about healthcare design is its ability to blend research, technology, and biophilic principles to create spaces that support not only physical recovery but also mental and emotional well-being. Thoughtfully designed environments can reduce stress, encourage connection, and empower patients and caregivers alike.

By integrating user feedback and focusing on inclusivity and adaptability, healthcare design ensures that every individual—whether a patient, family member, or staff—feels valued and supported. To me, healthcare design is about creating spaces where healing happens holistically, honouring both the body and the spirit.

To me, a “good” design is one that is deeply patient-centred. It begins with empathy, and understanding the unique needs and experiences of the people who will use the space. A good design prioritises functionality and adaptability, ensuring that it not only meets current needs but can evolve over time to support future demands. It incorporates sustainability, making efficient use of resources while promoting environmental stewardship.

What truly sets a design apart is its ability to create uplifting environments that enhance the quality of life. In healthcare design, this means crafting spaces that offer comfort, reduce stress, and promote healing—for patients, families, and caregivers alike.

Whether it’s a bustling medical centre or a serene healing retreat, good design places the individual at the heart of the space, fostering dignity, connection, and a sense of well-being. It is about more than solving problems—it is about creating meaningful, transformative experiences that improve lives.

The concept stemmed from my vision to redefine healthcare environments as more than just clinical spaces—they should be sanctuaries for healing and well-being. Inspired by the idea of a harbour as a place of safety and renewal, I sought to create a patient-centred design that integrates the restorative qualities of nature, natural light, and adaptable amenities.

By blending functionality with a calming, therapeutic atmosphere, The medical centre transforms the traditional care facility into a holistic refuge that supports not only physical recovery but also mental and emotional well-being. This approach emphasises dignity, connection, and the human experience, making healthcare spaces feel inviting, supportive, and deeply personal.

The primary inspiration for this design came from the tranquil and restorative qualities of waterfront landscapes. Harbours and coastal areas naturally evoke a sense of calm and serenity, reducing stress and fostering a connection to nature. Observing their profound impact on the human psyche inspired me to incorporate biophilic elements into the design.

Drawing from this inspiration, I integrated organic forms, natural materials, and therapeutic gardens, creating an environment where patients and visitors could find comfort, hope, and relief. By bringing the soothing essence of nature into the healthcare setting, the design aims to promote holistic healing and enhance the overall well-being of those who experience it.

My country and its rich cultural heritage have had a profound impact on my design process, especially in the context of healthcare architecture. Chinese culture emphasises harmony, balance, and the interconnectedness of humanity and nature—values that deeply influence the way I approach the design of healing environments. These principles inspire me to create spaces that not only meet functional requirements but also support mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

In traditional Chinese philosophy, health is viewed as a holistic balance between the body, mind, and environment. This idea resonates with my approach to healthcare design, where I strive to create spaces that integrate natural elements like daylight, greenery, and water to promote healing and reduce stress.

The cultural concept of feng shui—the balance and flow of energy in a space—guides my understanding of spatial relationships, ensuring that my designs encourage a sense of calm, connection, and comfort for patients, families, and caregivers.

Winning this award is an immense honour and a deeply meaningful milestone in my career as a healthcare architectural designer. It represents the recognition of my individual dedication, innovative thinking, and passion for creating patient-centred healing environments.

For me, this distinction reinforces my commitment to advancing the field of healthcare design. It validates my methodologies and design philosophies, which are rooted in empathy, functionality, and the transformative power of thoughtfully crafted spaces. This award inspires me to continue pushing the boundaries of what healthcare environments can achieve—creating spaces that not only meet medical needs but also promote dignity, well-being, and holistic healing.

The USCG Medical-Dental Center project embodies my core design philosophy—creating healthcare environments that prioritise patient well-being, integrate advanced technology, and foster a sense of community. I selected this project for the London Design Awards because it exemplifies how healthcare spaces can transcend traditional functionality to become uplifting and restorative environments.

The design focuses on patient-centred care, incorporating elements like natural light, adaptable spaces, and therapeutic environments to enhance healing and well-being. It also demonstrates how healthcare facilities can support both individual recovery and broader community needs, reflecting a holistic approach to design.

By entering this project, I aimed to showcase how thoughtful healthcare design can redefine clinical spaces, placing human experience at the forefront and inspiring others to envision healthcare environments that truly heal, comfort, and connect.

One of the main challenges I faced during the design process was addressing the site’s vulnerability to storms and flooding while ensuring the resilience of the building. Balancing these environmental challenges with the advanced medical requirements and holistic healing ideals added complexity to the project.

The solution was to elevate the first level of the building, utilising it as a parking garage to mitigate the risks posed by flooding and storm surges. This strategic approach ensured the safety and functionality of the medical and patient care spaces located above, protecting critical operations while maintaining accessibility.

Winning this award is a significant milestone in my career as a healthcare architectural designer. It strengthens my credibility in the field and reaffirms my commitment to creating innovative, patient-centred environments. This recognition not only validates my design philosophy but also inspires me to continue challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of what healthcare design can achieve.

The award motivates me to further refine my craft, advocate for designs that prioritise healing and dignity, and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare architecture. By leveraging this achievement, I aim to inspire transformative change in healthcare environments, creating spaces that enhance well-being, support holistic healing, and elevate the human experience.

Opportunities for Innovation and Positive Change: The healthcare design industry is constantly evolving, offering endless opportunities to innovate and push boundaries. From integrating cutting-edge technology to reimagining patient-centred care environments, I am inspired by the ability to create designs that address complex challenges and redefine the standards of healing spaces.

Collaboration Across Disciplines: Healthcare design thrives on collaboration, bringing together architects, engineers, medical professionals, and other specialists. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that every perspective is considered, leading to solutions that are functional, holistic, and impactful. The collective effort to create meaningful spaces is one of the most rewarding aspects of the industry.

Improving Lives and Creating Social Impact: At its core, healthcare design is about improving lives. The ability of thoughtful design to enhance patient outcomes, support caregivers, and create dignified spaces for healing is profoundly meaningful. Knowing that my work contributes to the well-being of individuals and communities is both a privilege and a driving force in my career.

My design focuses on patient-centred care and the human experience. While many healthcare facilities prioritise meeting clinical and technical standards, my designs go further by placing patient comfort, emotional well-being, and cultural sensitivity at the forefront.

Every aspect of the space is thoughtfully crafted to support healing—natural light, calming materials, intuitive layouts, and therapeutic environments work together to create a sense of dignity and care. This human-centred approach ensures that the spaces are not only functional but also deeply meaningful, fostering connection, comfort, and a holistic sense of well-being for patients, families, and caregivers alike.

Over the next 5–10 years, I see healthcare design evolving into a field deeply influenced by AI and advanced technologies. AI will play a transformative role, from optimizing facility layouts through predictive modelling to personalising patient experiences with data-driven insights. These tools will allow designers to create spaces that are more adaptive, efficient, and responsive to the needs of patients, staff, and communities.

Sustainability and resilience will remain central, with designs prioritising energy efficiency, climate adaptability, and resource-conscious solutions. Equally important will be a continued focus on equity, ensuring that healthcare environments are inclusive and accessible for all.

Collaboration will expand, leveraging interdisciplinary expertise to address complex challenges and integrate diverse perspectives. By combining human-centred design principles with technological innovation, the healthcare design industry will push boundaries, creating spaces that not only heal but also inspire and connect, fostering dignity and well-being for everyone who interacts with them.

Focus on empathy and connection. To create truly impactful designs, engage deeply with the people who will use the spaces—patients, families, and caregivers. Listen to their stories, understand their needs, and translate those insights into environments that prioritise comfort, dignity, and healing.

Be fearless in experimentation. Explore new materials, forms, and technologies, always seeking innovative ways to enhance the user experience. Patient-centred design is about finding solutions that are not only functional but also meaningful and uplifting.

Embrace collaboration and continuous learning. Great designs are often born from interdisciplinary teamwork and the integration of diverse perspectives. Stay curious, learn from every project, and use research to guide your decisions.

Explore online platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and other forums. Stay informed by reading reputable publications like Healthcare Design Magazine or Architectural Record to track trends and innovations. Engage in professional networking through LinkedIn groups, conferences, and workshops to exchange ideas and connect with experts. Lastly, seek hands-on experience through internships, mentorships, or collaborative projects to refine your skills and gain practical insights.

I failed multiple times before achieving recognition. Early on, I submitted several designs that received little attention. Those setbacks drove me to delve deeper, refine my approach, and return stronger. Without these early struggles, I wouldn’t value success or the importance of resilience as I do now.

Renzo Piano has been a profound source of inspiration in my life. His work exemplifies how architecture can harmonise beauty, functionality, and humanity, creating spaces that transcend mere structures to become places of healing and connection. Piano’s designs demonstrate how thoughtful, patient-centred architecture can uplift the human spirit and create environments that foster well-being.

His commitment to light, simplicity, and patient-centred design has deeply influenced my own approach, reinforcing my belief that architecture is not just a profession but a tool for compassion, dignity, and empowerment.

My key to success lies in maintaining a patient-centred focus while balancing visionary thinking with meticulous execution. Dream big, but never lose sight of the details that make a design truly meaningful. Always listen carefully to the needs of those you serve—patients, families, and caregivers—and approach every project with humility and empathy. Remember, design is a continuous journey; there is always room to grow, learn, and create environments that better support healing, dignity, and well-being for all.

I hope my experiences inspire others to recognise the transformative power of placing people—patients, families, and caregivers—at the core of every healthcare environment. By truly understanding their needs and experiences, and continually challenging ourselves to innovate, we can create spaces that not only heal but also restore dignity, foster connection, and elevate the human experience. Patient-centred design is more than a philosophy; it is a responsibility and an opportunity to make a lasting impact.