By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

In the dynamic world of healthcare design, architects play a pivotal role in creating environments that impact both staff and patient experiences. From creating spaces that promote healing and efficiency to incorporating innovative design elements that enhance navigation and sustainability, healthcare architecture goes beyond just building hospitals – it’s about crafting functional, inviting and forward-thinking facilities. 

Healthcare Facilities Today recently spoke with Colby Cavanaugh, healthcare and sciences studio leader at Maugel DeStefano Architects, to explore key aspects of this critical part of healthcare facilities. 

HFT: The staff experience and patient experience are key concerns for healthcare facilities. How do you, as an architect, contribute to creating environments that enhance both? 

Colby Cavanaugh: As an example, we just completed Woburn Pediatrics, and one of the ways we accomplished both [staff and patience experience] was by sending out a survey to all their patients or parents of patients. In addition, separate surveys were sent out to staff members so that we had everyone’s input in the final design. It was enlightening to see what their primary concerns were and the things that they hadn’t noticed were problems or didn’t notice an amenity that was there. 

So, we would like to start our process with our clients by not only speaking with their staff members, but also some of their end users. This way we gain their input and feedback as well so that we have that to guide us in what our key goals are for the project. 

HFT: How critical is signage and wayfinding in ensuring people can navigate healthcare facilities effectively, and what are some best practices in this area? 

Cavanaugh: Wayfinding is essential, especially in larger hospitals or even in larger practices. As I just mentioned, Woburn Pediatrics has 40 exam rooms, and we were able to use colors, graphics and patterns to direct patients around the facility.  We used colored signage, colored floor materials and colored acoustical materials on the walls to create that visual cue for someone to know where they’re going. All those allow patients to have a sense that they’re not lost in that environment or constantly asking someone for directions. 

Related: How is Artificial Intelligence Being Used in Healthcare Architecture?

HFT: Beyond clinical spaces, how do areas like cafeterias, bathrooms and cafés contribute to the overall functionality and appeal of a healthcare facility? 

Cavanaugh: Having spaces where somebody can walk outside, sit on a bench for a moment in the fresh air and have their lunch or chat with someone before they have to go back inside are important. We spend so much of our lives inside buildings, so creating those environments to give that outdoor connection is key. Even amenities like restrooms are a necessity as well, so keeping those clean, accessible and easy to find throughout the facility is critical. 

HFT: How are sustainability practices, including net zero initiatives, shaping the design and operation of healthcare facilities? 

Cavanaugh: It’s pushing us into the future. For example, our newest project is a 50,000-square-foot medical office building in Needham, Massachusetts. Needham has adopted some of the strictest energy codes currently, and the building will be all-electric. 

It comes with its challenges, like making sure we’re working closely with the utility companies in addition to cost and budget implications along with those changes. All new projects will have to meet the new criteria and comply with the new codes; however, this is all to create a better future. 

Regarding hospitals, I’ve seen struggles in a lot of them because they need to take their older infrastructure and update it. It’s not a quick or inexpensive change, most of their reserves are being put into these infrastructure projects. This is causing some of the other projects, like newer facilities, to be put on the back burner. 

Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor for the facilities market.