Health & Wellness
Healthcare projects today, whether they’re inpatient or outpatient settings, are fueled by client goals of achieving flexibility and reduced cost. In the design and construction world, the latest trend to answer those combined needs isn’t new at all—rather, it’s a new application of an old solution: prefabricated wall systems.
The use of color in healthcare settings has evolved over the last five years, influenced by a variety of factors, including global design trends, consumer research, patient satisfaction studies and market drivers from other segments. When it comes to healthcare facilities, we’re seeing less of the stereotypical institutional colors, and more healthcare systems that are influenced by residential design, as well as taking color cues from the hospitality and commercial markets.
Certainly, the attitudes and preferences of tomorrow’s senior population may be very different than the generation we currently serve. Yet the clinical needs will remain constant. As the U.S. population ages, the design of our inpatient facilities will need to accommodate the needs and desires of the elderly more than any other age group.
Hospitals are becoming much more hospitable. That’s because there is increasing evidence of the benefits to patients and staff of being in an environment that feels more like home or a hotel: patients feel better and may actually heal quicker, visitors stay longer, and staff morale rises.
Noise is annoying. Slamming doors. Jackhammers tearing up the street. Car alarms going off in the middle of the night. But did you know that noise might hurt your health and even students’ ability to learn?
Widespread use of sustainable construction practices and building products made with recycled content and other “Green” materials enabled the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois to achieve LEED Gold certification.
NBBJ integrated crystal-clear planning and natural references to welcome, direct, and calm people at the Swedish Edmonds Ambulatory Care Center.
The behavioral health setting presents some unique challenges for the door and hardware industry. Naturally, the safety and security of the patients, medical staff, administrative staff, environmental services, visitors and family members, are the primary concerns.
