Unique Trends in Healthcare Architecture and Design

Architecture plays an important role in any space, and healthcare design is no exception. When designing a healthcare environment, there are a lot of roles that need to be taken into consideration. For patients, the space needs to be designed for accessibility and to convey a sense of safety. For staff, it must be efficient to move around and access what they need. All of this impacts the healthcare outcomes of the patients and can reduce patient stays, reduce errors, and better medical outcomes. 

With so many technological advancements and changing patient needs, trends have evolved in healthcare architecture. Keep reading to learn more about the latest trends in the industry.  

Patient-Centric Healthcare Architecture 

Personalized Spaces

Whether you’re designing a standalone private practice or a state-of-the-art hospital, the design should focus on the patient. This is not only beneficial for the patient but can improve the efficiency and workflow of the care providers. In fact, one simulation study found that rethinking the architectural design into a patient-centered design increased efficiency and capacity while maintaining care quality. It also can lead to improved outcomes and better patient satisfaction.

So what should designers and architects include when designing a patient-centered healthcare facility? This approach should prioritize a design that is not just aesthetically pleasing, but a functional design that meets the needs of the patient in that specific setting. Consider: 

• Comfort: This goes beyond a hospital bed or chair. Are the colors calming? Is it easy for staff to maneuver around? In a hospital setting, can the patient adjust things like lighting to make themselves a little more comfortable? 

• Privacy: Consider how you can make the design more private for patients  

• Wayfinding: Make it easy for staff, patients, and the patient’s family to find their way 

• Flexibility: As healthcare evolves, how well can the space be adapted for future use? 

• Provider Workflow: Is it easy for staff to get around? Are there meeting spaces for multi-disciplinary teams to meet? Are rooms organized in a way that makes sense?

• Patient Population: Consider the varying needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients 

Comfort-Focused Design Choices 

There are many design choices that can be made that aid patient recovery and comfort, such as: 

• Views of nature and access to sunlight 
• Noise reduction and soundproofing (both street noise and hospital noise) 
• Privacy screens 
• Calming color choices 
• Bathroom location

Curved Architecture 

Believe it or not, adding curves to your healthcare architecture and design is another tool you can use to contribute to a more calming and welcoming environment. Curves form organic shapes and can mimic what we see in nature. They also help provide better flow and can be used for hallways and common areas to guide patients, staff, and visitors naturally. 

They also provide a more modern look that sets healthcare facilities apart from dated designs. Using prefabricated panels such as Kerfkore can help architects and designers create curved elements on walls, hallways, welcome desks, and more. 

Hospitality-Inspired Design 

For healthcare facilities with long-term patients like a hospital, pulling inspiration from hotels can be a benefit. Merging the requirements of a hospital with the design of a hotel can make the patient more comfortable about their stay. It might not be their home away from home, but it can help them feel just a little more restful. 

Some elements to keep in mind when designing include: 

• Hotel-Like Amenities: Concierge services, luxurious waiting rooms, and higher-end dining rooms to enhance the experience 

• Comfort-Focused Interiors: Comfortable furniture, calming color palettes, and higher-quality materials, such as wood over plastic. 

• A Welcoming Atmosphere: Include big windows to let in natural light and art installations 

Technology-Driven Design 

As technology advances, so should building architecture and design. Here’s what you should consider when designing: 

• Smart Buildings: Integrate smart technology like IoT devices and building management systems to enhance and streamline operations 

• Telehealth: Are there spaces that can accommodate virtual consultations and appointments? Is the technology in place for remote monitoring? 

• Future-Proofing: Flexible infrastructure can allow facilities to adapt to future technology and innovations in the healthcare space 

Sustainable Architecture 

More than ever, companies are focusing on creating sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. Both healthcare and the building industry contribute to a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, so making decisions that reduce the carbon footprint of a project should be incorporated. 

Sustainable considerations to make include: 

• High-efficiency buildings, such as solar panels, green roofs, and quality insulation  
• Sustainable materials 
• All-electric buildings 
• Onsite battery charging stations 
• Water conservation 

Flexibility and Adaptability

As already mentioned, flexibility and adaptability are key in healthcare design. There are constant advancements and innovations and healthcare spaces must be able to adapt to these changes quickly. 

Here’s how: 

• Modular Construction: Prefabricated construction allows for quick and cost-effective space solutions. 

• Renovation: You don’t need to build a brand-new facility from scratch. Existing buildings can be repurposed and renovated, offering a more cost- and time-effective solution 

• Convertible Spaces: Using materials that allow spaces to be reconfigured for different purposes allows the building to adapt in the long run. 

Community and Collaboration Spaces 

Hospitals and healthcare centers are increasingly becoming community spaces, with facilities incorporating spaces like gyms, libraries, cafes, and learning centers to foster community engagement. 

Partnerships with schools, non-profits, and community organizations help healthcare facilities engage as a community hub to share information on healthy lifestyles and illness prevention. 

In addition to community-focused spaces, designers should incorporate spaces for healthcare professionals to collaborate with each other.  

Another community space that must be considered is waiting rooms. Design family-friendly areas that provide comfort and support for patient’s families while they are waiting or visiting their loved one. Consider the placement of bathrooms, vending machines, or phone/laptop charging stations. 

Cultural and Inclusive Design 

Inclusive design is essential to creating a healthcare environment that meets the needs of a diverse set of patients and staff. Before designing, conduct user research and engage with community members to better understand what their specific needs are. Incorporate artwork and decor to create a welcoming and familiar space for diverse populations. You’ll also want to incorporate private spaces for prayer or meditation. 

Your inclusive design should also meet the needs of accessibility and ADA requirements. Consider the location of wheelchair ramps, wide doors, and restrooms to make sure it is accessible to all. You’ll also need to incorporate clear signage that will help different languages and literacy levels. 

Create Patient-Centric Healthcare Spaces 

As healthcare evolves, so does healthcare building architecture. Architects and designers need to create an environment that meets the needs of a diverse population and focuses on the patient. By embracing patient-centric, flexible, inclusive, and sustainable design elements, you can create spaces that aid patient recovery and foster community among the community. 

Check out Kerfkore’s Flexible and Lightweight panels to help you achieve the best healthcare design for your client.