As a result of the use of newer and newer technologies, medical developments and increased competition, more and more medical facilities are paying attention to interior design.
For many years, clinics were associated with pain, concerns about the treatment process and stress. In recent years, we can see a lot of changes in the approach and adaptation of clinic interiors to the needs of patients. Facilities have ceased to be merely sterile and unfriendly, and have become comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and supportive of the treatment and rehabilitation process.
How is the interior and space design of medical facilities different from other spaces?
Designing medical facilities is a specific challenge for designers. It must comply with strict sanitary, hygienic and fire safety regulations. When designing, the requirements of patients must be kept in mind. About their privacy, safety and comfort, including for patients with disabilities.
Many projects use special acoustic solutions to limit external and inter-room hashing.
Due to the nature of the work of medical facilities, hygiene and ease of cleaning remain invariably important, so be sure to select the right materials. In addition, provision must be made for all sanitary installations and medical equipment, patient monitoring systems, diagnostic equipment and traffic routes. That’s why it’s important to start the process by consulting with a designer experienced in the medical industry from the earliest stages.
What elements of space branding are worth keeping in mind when designing medical facility spaces?
Facility owners are focusing on friendly design. In today’s clinics, great attention is paid to the aesthetics of the finishing touches. The reception area, waiting room, cafeteria, children’s play area are zones that are supposed to create a pleasant atmosphere and make the time spent waiting for an appointment more pleasant. Another important element is the security of sensitive data. Patients care about discretion and privacy, so separate waiting areas or individual consultation rooms are increasingly being included in designs.
We take care of the smallest details in our projects. We believe that they make up the whole atmosphere and promote the well-being of patients. Warm light, a soft pleasant smell, comfortable furniture, natural materials, clear wayfinding. This last one in particular is very powerful. We don’t want patients to feel additional stress caused by the difficulty of finding the right office.
What materials do we use in the design of medical facilities?
We adapt the choice of materials to the function of the room. All of them must have hygienic approvals for use in medical facilities and be easy to clean. Antimicrobial wall coatings, ceramic tiles, vinyl carpets or epoxy resin floors work well.
In our realizations we use technological innovations and ecological solutions. We are committed to environmentally friendly materials and limited paper consumption.
Wayfinding in medical facilities
When designing, it is always important to consider who the user and customer are. In medical facilities, with the elderly in mind, we rely on highly visible, contrasting wayfinding elements right from the entrance. A challenge to be reckoned with is the large number of rooms and offices. Signage and wayfinding boards must be placed in the right places and at the right distance from each other. So that the patient knows where to head in the next steps of the visit, without unnecessarily wandering through the corridors and blocking the aisles.
It is also very important to clearly mark offices and spaces intended for patients and those with access only for staff. We know from experience that color-coded differentiation of rooms by their function is a practical solution. Thanks to such a procedure, new employees will easily find the information that concerns them.
Why is it important to ensure good space branding and friendly design in medical facilities?
Friendly and functional environment, modern design and clear wayfinding plays an important role in building brand image. It plays the role of a business card, which is why in our projects we always rely on our clients’ marketing materials to create spaces that are consistent with their company’s branding and color scheme.
Studies show that a properly designed, comfortable space positively affects the relationship between medical staff and patients increases trust in the facility. As competition and patient expectations increase, medical facility owners should take special care of it to achieve business success.
Read our recent post on creating the right wayfinding system for your clinic
