Insights & Solutions

Schmid, H.-L., Nowak, A., Oeljeklaus, L., McCall, T., Hornberg, C., Caspers, B. A., & Zerbe, S. (2024). Greenspaces of psychiatric clinics and patient perceptions: A mixed-methods exploration. People and Nature

This slidecast summarizes the work of Schmid et al. (2024) who explored patient perceptions of greenspaces outside of two psychiatric clinics in Germany. Researchers selected two different facilities and collected data from users of two outdoor locations at each facility (a lawn, a pond, a lawn with trees, and a sports area). They mapped findings according to the Perceived Sensory Dimensions (PSD) framework which describes the aesthetic needs people have regarding the outdoors. The PSD framework includes the eight dimensions of natural, serene, cohesive, open, cultural, social, diverse, and sheltered. Design implications include specific recommendations to incorporate multifunctional elements that can support a variety of needs and preferences when considering outdoor patient areas.

Arafat, M. Y., & Atreya, S. (2024). Impact of hospital design on the psychological well-being of geriatric patients. Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment

Understanding how vulnerable patient populations perceive healthcare design can improve the mental, emotional, and health outcomes for all. The goal of this study was to explore geriatric in-patients’ perceived comfort, well-being, and stress in relation to design features in healthcare environments. Environmental factors identified through a review of the literature were categorized, used to evaluate three different hospital settings, and scrutinized in relation to geriatric in-patients’ perceived stress. Analysis revealed subtle preferences and significant insights into the architectural features enhancing comfort and reducing stress for geriatric patients during their hospital stays. Notably, the quantity and type of furnishings, proximity to services and environmental control features, and attributes affording privacy were revealed to be most influential for patient comfort, control, and anxiety.

This one-day virtual workshop provides the latest in design thinking for a variety of behavioral health care settings and offers state-of-the-art best practices through thought leader presentations, case studies, and panel discussions. Attendees will have opportunities to pose questions to workshop faculty and interact with fellow attendees.

As individuals age, physical, mental, and societal challenges become more prevalent. This intensive one-day virtual workshop explores those challenges and discusses programming and design interventions that can assist people (and care givers). Expert faculty will present case studies and examples that integrate architecture, design and technology into living environments that are not only safe, but foster wellness and longevity. 

The artwork collection in the Hale Family Building is centered on four guiding principles to: include, immerse, connect, and unite. It carefully considers every employee, patient, and family member regardless of age, ability, or background. Individual works provide positive distraction via impactful, purpose-driven design motifs, and create opportunities for connection via discovery and storytelling themes.

Yuan, H., Shen, X., (2023) Optimizing floor plans of accessible restrooms in elderly long-term care facilities: A path planning approach. Architectural Engineering and Design Management

In order to avoid excessively disabling an entire population of mobility aid users as well as decrease excessive dependency on caregivers, restroom design has to be optimized. The goal of this study was to explore how mobility path-planning simulation software can increase the convenience of restroom use for individuals who use wheelchairs and walkers. Researchers used a virtual path-planning method for generating floorplans and evaluating simulated patterns of movement between fixtures to identify the most convenient layout. The highest convenience score for a 2-fixture restroom layout resulted in the toilet at a 90-degree angle to the door and adjacent to the opposing wall; the sink’s optimal location was opposite the door.  In a 3-fixture arrangement, the sink remained opposite the door, and the toilet remained on the same wall as in the 2-fixture arrangement but was relocated adjacent to the wall with the door so the shower could occupy its previous location. Notably, a minimum room size for a 3-fixture layout required minimum dimensions of 2m x 2m (6.5’ x 6.5’). While not statistically significant, in all scores, the 45° side approach is the most effective for limiting both path length and turning angles making corner fixtures more convenient for movement.       

Morag, I., Sonmez, V., Van Puyvelde, A., Pintelon, L., (2024) Improving wayfinding in hospitals for people with diverse needs and abilities: An exploratory approach based on multi-criteria decision making. Applied Ergonomics

In order to optimize the orientation and navigation capabilities of people with diminished cognitive and physical capabilities, there is a need to understand their perception and priority for wayfinding  features. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship of wayfinding behavior while under the influence of design features. Researchers evaluated feature identification along hospital routes through direct observation and participant self-assessment. Visual affordances were the most highly rated between both groups, making a moderate to fairly strong difference in their decision-making along routes.

Goel, S., Mihandoust, S., Joseph, A., Markowitz, J., Gonzales, A., Browning, M., (2024) Design of pediatric outpatient procedure environments: A pilot study to understand the perceptions of patients and their parents. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal

Outpatient procedures are becoming more commonplace for pediatric patients and managing patient and caregiver anxiety associated with treatment is an important aspect of care. This study was conducted in a pediatric outpatient facility where gastrointestinal procedures were performed. Researchers followed child/parent dyads through different phases of treatment (waiting room, pre-procedure room, procedure room, and recovery room), monitored two physiologic stress indicators via wrist sensor, and asked them to identify features of each space that they liked or disliked. Although the physiologic metrics were not statistically significant, responses suggested children experienced most anxiety in the waiting and pre-procedure rooms and parents were most anxious in the waiting room during their child’s procedure. For both groups, anxiety was lowest in the recovery room. Waiting and pre-procedure room distractions could help alleviate anxiety in children and their caregivers.

Join a discussion with Addie Abushousheh as she shares design strategies for acute and ambulatory care settings!