Medical Construction & Design

JAN-FEB 2017

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.

Issue link: https://mcdmag.epubxp.com/i/778095

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 20 of 70

16 Medical Construction & Design | JA N UA RY/ F EBRUA RY 2017 | MCDM AG.COM There are many consider- ations when selecting fl oor- ing for a healthcare facility. Maintainability, durability, aff ordability, appropriateness and desired design eff ect are the leading considerations. Clients say fl oor selection is one of the most important de- cisions, as healthcare facilities spend much of their environ- mental services budget on the maintenance of fl oors. Is the fl oor clean and shiny or is it dull and dirty? This impres- sion refl ects not only on the hospital's brand but the per- ception of the care provided. Beyond the basics, howev- er, is the profound relationship that can be explored between color and fl ooring. From a maintainability per- spective, climate and regional context play an important role in product and color selection. In the Northeast, designers need to consider the tracking of snow and salt into the inte- rior environment; conversely, in the Southwest the red dirt and direct sun exposure must be considered. Assuming the right product that is easy to maintain, durable and aff ord- able is selected — what about the desired design eff ect? How does color factor into the decision-making process? Timeless approach to color The approach to healthcare fa- cility design has evolved. Until the late 1960s hospital décor was bland, institutional and the use of color was minimal. Then the pendulum swung in the opposite direction as hospitals becoming more competitive and enhancing the interior environment became a focus for retaining and grow- ing market share. The 1970s saw the trend of bright vibrant colors such as orange, blue and poppy red fi nding its way into the hospital environment very often through the use of fl oor tile. Then came the 80s with mauve and teal and again many corridor fl oors utilized this color palette. But one thing that is certain is change. Facilities consistently upgrade and renovate their facilities to stay competitive and industry stakeholders are often called A stroll through various functions of healthcare fl ooring color selection Spotlight Healthcare Flooring BY JOANNE MACISAAC & JOY BARTOLOTTA GO WITH THE FLOW This terrazzo fl oor features patterns inspired by the fl owing water of the Kennebec River on which banks the Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine sits. NATURE WALK Large-format porcelain tile in this waiting room at the Central Texas Rehabilitation Hospital is inspired by nature paths found in the wooded areas of Harris County, Texas. Color Underfoot

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Medical Construction & Design - JAN-FEB 2017