Medical Construction: Trending Design Ideas

If you are planning to build a new medical hospital or center, or if you are looking into redesigning an existing medical space, consider utilizing some of the new and innovative trends in medical construction to make your patients feel more comfortable and help improve the feel and functionality of the space.

More open space. Increasing the amount of open space is one way that builders and developers are updating the look and feel of medical centers. It helps the space feel less claustrophobic, which can put patients at ease, and it also allows for larger windows that can increase the amount of natural light in the space, which can often boost patients’ moods.

Family-oriented technology. Some hospitals and other in-patient facilities are adding technology, such as computers with webcams, in patient rooms to allow patients greater access to their families during their hospital stays. This technology allows patients to comfortably and easily talk to their loved ones comfortably if their family members cannot stay with them. It can also be beneficial to add beds or sleeper sofas in hospital rooms so that family can be comfortable while staying overnight.

Energy efficiency. More and more medical hospitals and centers are “going green” by employing environmentally friendly technology, such as alternative power sources, and obtaining Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (“LEED”) certification for their buildings. Not only does this improve the environmental footprint of these medical centers, but it also can reduce overall energy costs as well and be a solid cost saving investment.

Multi-purpose examination and procedure rooms. Especially for smaller medical centers, it can be advantageous to design rooms that can be used for several different purposes. This helps save space within the centers and also promotes efficient use of examination rooms.

An inviting and informative lobby or entrance area. It is important to make incoming patients feel comfortable and welcome in your medical hospital or center, and their first impression of the space is often the lobby or entrance area. Designers are increasingly including bright colors, modern and comfortable furniture, and an open and inviting front desk to help put patients at ease when they enter the center or hospital.

Decentralized staff work areas. Although it is important to maintain a space for staff members to meet and communicate, it is equally important to keep staff as close to their particular patients as possible. Hospitals and medical centers should consider spreading out the staff member work areas to accommodate both a centralized communication area and specific work areas. It also helps reduce some of the chaos of the staff work areas, making the center a calmer place.

Non-medical amenities under one roof. In order to make patients and their families feel more comfortable in the space, consider adding other shops and services, such as coffee shops, grocery stores, or even small libraries or reading areas, to your building. This will help remove some of the sterility and coldness that hospitals and medical centers often exude and make it a more inviting space.