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36 Medical Construction & Design | M A RCH /A PR IL 2017 | MCDM AG.COM The exterior stays true to German mod- ernism and features simple forms, cubic shapes and a white façade with yellow, red and orange accents. The interior spaces, including the 446 patient rooms, are inten- tionally modest, light and friendly, achiev- ing an upscale level of quality through a minimalist design approach. Interior colors throughout the building are warm and earth-inspired. The new hospital is not only an example of excellent patient comfort, but an illustration of the growing need for consolidation. TREND #3: Patients as consumers Health insurance is compulsory for the entire population in Germany. With both public and private health insurance op- tions, every German resident has their own healthcare insurance. Because of this, patients have more choices than ever to select their own healthcare experience. To satisfy the needs and wants of the patient, healthcare organizations are placing a fo- cus on high-amenity, high-fashion design with hotel-like characteristics. A great example is the Klinikum Essen Mitte hospital in Essen, Germany. Decorated in warm tones, this premium facility combines fi rst-class medical care with a stylish ambience. In addition to paintings and modern sculptures, there are beds with exceptional soft attributes and exquisite bed linen. The rooms are equipped with a fl at-screen TV, minibar and safe. Free Wi-Fi is provided in combi- nation with iPads, which are free for the duration of the stay, and a unique fea- ture that addresses the needs of younger internet-affi liated patients. A rare feature implemented into the design is the use of textile fl ooring on the patient fl oors. With its varying dark- striped pattern structure, the carpet fl oor- ing creates a comfortable atmosphere that lowers sound, provides a pleasant, quiet mood and benefi ts the recovery process for patients due to its walking comfort compared to tile fl ooring. Furthermore, the carpet can be easily disinfected be- cause it's been made with pigment-dyed fi bers. This design accommodates patients by creating the most comfortable and healing environment, while providing the ameni- ties consumers want. Each country, region and group of people has their own specifi c healthcare needs. The key is to weave best practices and research with local context, creating facilities that combine the best ideas from around the world with the unique needs of the local community and its people. Christoph Gatermann, health principal, is a project leader and partner at the Düsseldorf offi ce of HDR | TMK Planungsgesellschaft. AROUND THE GLOBE ISSUE FOCUS 5,800 Rough number of hospice providers. In 1985 there were 1,545 hospice providers. — National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization 1.7M Patients served by hospice in 2014 — National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization From Top: The SBK Villingen-Schwenningen hospital is inspired by the surrounding landscape; rather than building up, the building fi ts horizontally among the rolling hills. Dubbed the "hospital of light," every space within the SBK Villingen-Schwenningen hospital, from the patient rooms with expansive windows to the main foyer with a sweeping skylight, has been designed to welcome natural light and allow occupants to experience the nearby natural beauty from inside.