Medical Construction & Design

MAY-JUN 2016

Medical Construction & Design (MCD) is the industry's leading source for news and information and reaches all disciplines involved in the healthcare construction and design process.

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1969 Patient-Centered Care: fi rst coined in 1969 as "each patient has to be understood as a unique human being." — ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 7 Elements create healing spaces: Nature, color, light, artwork, architecture, aroma and music. — samueliinstitute.org HOLISTIC SPACES skills. Another way in which MS patients attempt to mitigate their mobility and balance problems is by "wall walking." Positive distractions Intellectual, spiritual, physical and environmental distractions for the patient are important in providing a positive experience by relieving patients' minds of medical treatment and of ering an escape. Spaces for private refl ection, such as a wellness garden, provide positive distractions. Large expansive windows overlooking gardens to enhance the patient's view create a soothing and serene environment for patients and families indoors. Also, displayed art pieces should be chosen based upon relatability to patients, as well as a comforting connection. In the patient rooms at BSW Waxahachie, thoughtful consideration toward improving the overall experience infl uenced the concept of concealing all medical and clinical equipment while maintaining full function. The room features a custom headwall designed to conceal medical gases behind moveable panels that seamlessly disappear when in its closed position. Access to nature Studies have shown the connection to nature is another key component to creat- ing a healing environment. Natural light, views of nature, natural materials and connectivity to the community in the inte- rior provide a calm and soothing atmo- sphere to help restore the mind and body. The maximum utilization of natural light among patient and family areas is key. Views to nature and healing gardens provide people within the facility access to nature. Natural stone and wood elements are occasionally implemented into the interior design to reinforce the connection and provide visual cues for intuitive wayfi nding. Art and graphics among glass sometimes utilize natural tree shapes or plants. Outdoor seating in and around therapeutic healing gardens, in addition to the views from the interior, provide an escape from the facility and an access point to nature. At BSW Waxahachie, four design elements were inspired by the culture, history and nature of Waxahachie and the surrounding areas, which became the driving force of the design, and provided a strong access to nature throughout the hospital. The design elements consisted of the sun — for its warmth and spiritual qualities; the fi eld — for its historic cot- ton fi elds that once covered Waxahachie; the tree — the city being designated as the crape myrtle capital of Texas and the creek — for the city's name coming from a Native American word meaning "buf alo H O L I S T I C S P A C E S ISSUE FOCUS At BSW Waxahachie in Texas, print patterns of Texas nature-inspired botanicals and organics are used on the glass that encloses nurse stations, in order to reduce distracting noise. > AT BSW Waxahachie, each fl oor is designated by a color to improve wayfi nding. A bold palette of saturated hues is balanced by warm woods and textured stones layered on top of a neutral background. 32 Medical Construction & Design | M AY/ J U N E 2016 | MCDM AG.COM

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