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Customized video distribution solutions for your healthcare environment www.z-band.com/healthcare 866-902-2606 ENTERTAIN E D U C A T E & E N G A G E If the lobby is beautiful but the other spaces in the hospital are confi ned, dark and bland, there has been a loss of continuity in the space. By matching the message of care, organization and preeminence in the lobby to the brand message throughout the facility, this assures strong continuity and a uniformly satisfying patient experience. Possibly the least expensive design contribution for this experience is lighting, both natural and artifi cial. Lighting concepts often overlooked include the option of table lamps versus more institutional overhead lighting. Indirect lighting of an accent wall or even a print is a simple way to create a more pleasing, homelike environment. Also, acoustics, artifi cial or natural, can further enhance the quality of the environment. These aspects are often well considered in a spa — so why not in a hospital? Branding in the environ- ment may also be accom- plished more economically if there is an understanding of the concept of the 50-year palette versus colors and textures that may be more an expression of current styles. The 50-year palette includes the more durable fi nishes not likely to change, such as fl ooring, casework, doors, etc. These should be of a neutral character, which allows the upholsteries, paints, window treatments and carpeted areas to express the brand or otherwise enhance the environment. At the end of the day The healthcare designer is responsible for all the rules and guidelines that may sometimes confl ict with the architectural aspects. Two elements of the design process must work in creative juxtaposition. Eastern and Western design styles can often be incorporated into various hospital styles. For example, the Eastern approach embraces sequences of spaces the viewers experience while moving through an area, rather than focusing on the grand destination. Still, the ultimate success of planning and design depends on understanding the needs of the client and fi nding the best ways to meet them. For example, one client asked for wing chairs for privacy. Although such chairs did not fi t into the overall design, a satisfactory alternative was discovered that achieved the same ef ect: semi-transparent wood screens placed at intervals. Patient experience is paramount. Therefore, the environment should be supportive of their needs and feelings. Nemours Children's Hospital Because The Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, Florida settled on a garden theme, the designers decided to keep the lobby small and transparent to emphasize the surrounding garden. Destination points within the entryway are the reception desk, elevator, access to the cafeteria and the education wing. The lobby itself is small, but features vistas from all around the garden. A lighting sculpture in the lobby uses programmable LEDs to create a dynamic interplay on the surface of the ceiling. The objective to personalize each space was achieved through the use of LED color lighting in each patient's room. The result is a dynamic mosaic of color on the façade representing the individuality of the patient inside. The common challenge with the design of healthcare environments is no one really wants to be there. In recognition of this fact, the designer can of er an inspirational environment, conducive to appropriate scale, has clarity of orientation and otherwise can contribute to a reduction in fear or anxiety. Dennis Kaiser, LEED AP, BD+C, NCARB, is managing principal at Perkins+Will. He has over 35 years of experience designing healthcare environments nationally and internationally. If the lobby is beautiful but the other spaces in the hospital are confi ned, dark and bland, there has been a loss of continuity in the space. By matching the message of care, organization and preeminence in the lobby to the brand message throughout the facility, this assures strong continuity and a uniformly satisfying patient experience. MCDM AG.COM | M A RCH /A PR IL 2015 | Medical Construction & Design 53