by Norwest GC | Jan 25, 2023 | Working With Norwest Contractors |
3 HEALTHCARE DESIGN TRENDS
Recent medical construction and design trends are all about practicality and nature. Here are three healthcare design and construction trends that are making waves in Pacific Northwest office space.
NATURE-INFUSED SPACES
When it comes to designing healthcare facilities in recent times, one word that keeps coming up is “biophilia,” or a passion for nature and all things alive. According to the American Psychological Association, surrounding yourself with nature can have “both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health, and emotional well-being.”
Even if you’re not physically outside, being around indoor plants and green spaces can also positively impact a person. That’s why we’re getting more requests than ever to build beautiful healthcare spaces with a focus on nature. It’s both eye-catching and beneficial for patients and staff members who are inside for long periods.
GLASS AND NATURAL LIGHTING
Bringing in more natural lighting goes hand in hand with the natural elements we talked about above. The current trend is to use glass as much as possible in the design process, as well as large windows. Not only is glass easier to clean than alternative materials, but it’s also more aesthetically pleasing and allows more light to enter a room.
This isn’t to say that clear glass is your only option. Many clients like to do stained glass. We can also strategically place skylights and windows so that you get the most light while maintaining privacy for your patients and staff (Natural lighting wins every time when it concerns current healthcare design trends).
EVIDENCE-BASED DESIGN
At Norwest Contractors, we’re huge advocates for evidence-based design, meaning building a space based on science on what works and what doesn’t. Some of these methods involve using same-handed inpatient rooms.
Not only can evidence-based design save staff time and promote patient safety, but it can also boost recovery times, cut down on the chance of medical errors, and much more.
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