La quinta dimensione
STATUS
Ongoing
DATE
2024 / 2027
PROJECT SCALE
REG
RESEARCH UNIT(S)
FUNDINGS
RESEARCH FACILITIES
Padiglione 13, Neurochirurgia pediatrica & Neuropsichiatria infantile, Policlinico San 'Orsola
COLLABORATORS
DESCRIPTION
The project “La Quinta Dimensione” aims to transform the pediatric neuro-surgery and neuro-psychiatry wards of IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche – Policlinico Sant’Orsola in Bologna into child- and family-friendly, emotionally supportive spaces. Promoted by Bimbo Tu, it envisions a radical rethinking of hospital environments: new architectural designs, soothing lighting, warm colours, and carefully chosen materials will create a comforting atmosphere. The goal is not only to meet clinical needs, but to foster psychological well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and offer children and adolescents, together with their families, a sense of security and belonging. Through thoughtfully designed visual paths, decompression zones, and interactive, play-inspired technologies, the project seeks to turn care into a participatory, inclusive experience. Starting from January 2026, the transformations will be implemented via a participatory design process involving medical staff, patients and families. The ambition behind “La Quinta Dimensione” is to merge scientific research about the impact of environmental stimuli with concrete design solutions, making hospitalization less alienating and more human, and reaffirming the right of children to dignity, emotional care and creativity even during treatment.
IMPACTS & RESULTS
The project is expected to generate significant impacts on the emotional, cognitive, and relational well-being of children and adolescents undergoing treatment. By redesigning spaces through calming atmospheres, intuitive visual cues, and playful interactive elements, the initiative aims to reduce anxiety, improve adherence to care, and support smoother therapeutic pathways. Families will benefit from more welcoming environments that facilitate trust, communication, and shared decision-making. Medical staff will work in settings that enhance concentration and reduce stress, improving overall quality of care. In the long term, the project intends to set a replicable model for human-centred healthcare environments, demonstrating how design, architecture, and technological mediation can create more inclusive, resilient, and emotionally supportive hospitals.
+ LINKS & DOWNLOAD
PUBBLICATIONS
PARTNERS
