Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc.

Designing with natural materials creates comforting environment

Healthcare facility design is being influenced by the comforts of home and our natural environment

By Healthcare Facilities Today


People work more comfortably and recuperate more successfully in buildings that echo the environment in which the human species evolved, according to an article on the Contract magazine website.

We are spending an average of 23 minutes waiting to see our doctors. Some patients come from remote locations and arrive anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour early before their scheduled appointment, the article said. It is no wonder that the design of healthcare establishments is being influenced by the comforts of home and the natural environment.  

Use of a stone variety or wood species that is indigenous to the project’s region is an opportunity to connect to the culture of the community frequenting the facility. According to the article, materials can also become wayfinding elements guiding patients and staff to their destination while familiarizing them with their surroundings. For example, colored glass panels applied to elevator banks can act as an orientation device. 

Patient experience is a key incentive to create a soothing environment supported by research, the article said. A thoughtful composition with views to nature can become a form of positive distraction, calming the senses by reducing anxiety. According to distraction theory, the more captivating an environmental distraction, the greater the pain reduction. The use of clear glass at waiting zones, corridors and patient rooms provides access to natural light, which can increase levels of patient and staff contentment and decrease feelings of depression.

Read the article.

 

 

 



December 4, 2013


Topic Area: Interior Design


Recent Posts

Hospital Evacuation Highlights Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Berger Hospital was evacuated after smoke was discovered in the basement.


Building a Culture of Infection Prevention

Investing in infection prevention can benefit healthcare organizations and patient outcomes.


Ground Broken on Sanford Health Fargo's Peltier Lodge

The 28,400-square-foot facility will feature spaces to support patients and loved ones during treatment and throughout their outpatient care and monitoring.


Arkansas Urology Associates Experiences Data Security Incident

The incident occurred in March.


The Role of Facilities Managers in Healthcare Design

Jiayin Li discusses the way in-house facilities teams can help shape the design of key spaces.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.