6 Important Ways Design Can Improve Our Health

6 Important Ways Design Can Improve Our Health

There is increasing evidence that innovative hospital design can improve patients’ health and improve morale. With an aging population and more and more people flooding healthcare facilities, it’s vital that design play a role in efficiency, durability and wellbeing of both staff and patients. We want patients and visitors to perceive a hospital as comfortable and stress-free, all the while making it efficient and cost effective for the staff.

1. Stick to an Overall Design | Busy designs can create confusion and stress. Stick to one overall theme that unifies the space and gives a sense of calm.

2. Layout Matters | An efficient layout should minimize distance and obstructions between frequently used spaces and use of multi-purpose spaces.

3. Color Impacts | Color can greatly impact the mood and feel of a space. Bright colors in a children’s hospital is a fantastic idea. Soothing tones in longer term patient rooms or waiting areas is key.

4. Durability | When it comes to finishes and fabrics take into consideration washability, flammability and weight.

5. Waiting Area Wellness | People can wait for a long time at a hospital or healthcare facility. Why should it look like the DMV? We personally feel that the DMV could use a makeover too but that’s another topic. Waiting rooms should feel inviting and comfortable. We achieve this through use of color, lighting, art features, comfortable yet easy to clean seating and noise canceling features.

6. Private Spaces | There are a lot of life changing decisions that go on at healthcare facilities. We believe in creating private spaces for important conversations that are toned down in design. These are also areas where we like to utilize sound softening features for privacy and contemplation.

Hospital and healthcare waiting rooms should feel inviting and comfortable.
In a healthcare facility, when it comes to finishes and fabrics, take durability into consideration, like washability, flammability and weight.
Innovative hospital design calls for efficient layout to minimize distance and obstructions between frequently used spaces and use of multi-purpose spaces.