Worldwide approaches to healthcare design

Healthcare design is vital to the care and recovery of patients. With the development of technology and construction methods, different countries have revolutionised the look of their healthcare facilities. Despite each having its own approach to designs, they all have the same aim: to improve the quality of care and promote healing of patients. In this blog we explore the approach from America, Australia, and the Nordic Countries, Sweden and Denmark.

America

America’s approach is influenced by trauma-informed design and implements five core principles: safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, cultural consideration, and peer support which all work together to benefit patients’ healing and provide better outcomes. In addition to this, they’re also focusing on improving the overall hospital experience by incorporating more natural daylight into designs after clinical studies have shown its impact on promoting physical and psychological healing.

As well as the implementation of more windows to bring in natural light, interior architects are utilising biophilic materials such as green wall installations and other plant elements to provide a more tranquil and relaxing space. To sit alongside these elements, American designers are including furniture with softer features and edges to promote comfort and improve the overall hospital experience not only prioritising patient healing but also the care of staff.

Australia

Australia has revolutionised the design of their healthcare facilities by constructing more expressive and creative architecture, moving away from the previous utilitarian look. The Bendigo Hospital in Victoria is a prime example of this and its interior further solidifies its forward-thinking approach. Straying far from the clinical and institutional interior of traditional facilities, the Bendigo Hospital champions a holistic approach that balances functionality with a vibrant, upbeat environment promoting a well-rounded approach to wellbeing.

This facility combines areas of neutral colours and materials to create a calming and tranquil space for relaxation and healing, with colourful and bright murals that help improve overall experiences.

Nordic Countries

Scandinavian countries such as Denmark and Sweden have been ahead of the curve with healthcare facility design for some years now, with many countries taking inspiration from these designs to improve their own. Their approach balances innovation with sustainability and therefore has implemented wood as a key material in hospital design. Incorporating wood not only improves the aesthetic of these previously clinical looking spaces but also has proven health benefits, such as improving air quality and reducing stress.

Healthcare facility design has evolved considerably and these countries are just a few that are revolutionising the way they are constructed. Focused on improving overall care and experiences of patients, staff and visitors, there’s a clear theme that to ensure a prime space for optimal healing, facilities need to be more relaxed and incorporate elements of nature.

UK

The UK approach is still quite traditional in its exterior look, however, we have begun taking inspiration from these countries discussed above by renovating and improving the interior spaces of healthcare facilities. Children’s hospitals such as Alder Hey and Great Ormond Street, were among the first to completely transform the look of healthcare facilities in the UK. Architects implemented bright colours and murals to provide patients with a more positive experience.

Despite this, many NHS hospitals across the UK are still a stark contrast to these innovative designs. Yet, under the New Hospitals Programme which is set to deliver 40 hospitals by 2030, UK architects and interior designers have developed plans that include more natural elements. They will also be incorporating a balance between comfort and cleanliness, with installing furniture that is a contemporary design but is conscious of infection control.

Here at Knightsbridge we have always known the benefits of using natural elements in healthcare facilities and that’s why many of our ranges have wood components. From beam seating for waiting rooms to patient chairs and hospital dining chairs, our wood framed furniture is the perfect addition for helping enhance patient experience.

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