One of biggest behavioral health design trends has been a focus on creating a “normalized” environment that reflects situations patients will encounter after they leave, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website. The article was written in partnership with the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers.
The result has been to incorporate more complex interior spaces into the overall design, the article said.
Flexibility is also a focus. Treatment spaces allow for multiple functions and effective space utilization. Community spaces are open and social. Access to outdoor spaces — or at least a view of the outdoors — also has become an important aspect of therapy, the article said.
As much as possible, behavioral health facility design should give patients a sense of control over their environment through such elements as lighting flexibility, furniture options and space layouts.
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