Healthcare Design Trends of 2021-2022
Designing Healthcare Spaces With Empathy
After the Covid-19 pandemic, patients no longer come to the healthcare system as mere supplicants. Now well informed, patients expect to be involved in the decision-making about their pathology and their patient journey. They also expect to be in control when it comes to their stay in hospital.
This has lead to new design trends in the healthcare industry, catering to these new changes and put the patients' experience at the heart.
Lets take a look the three main design trends that dominated the healthcare industry in the past two years.
Biophilic Design Trend
Connecting Humans and Nature
The positive impact of interaction with nature in healthcare facilities has been widely demonstrated.
Since the first research conducted by Dr Roger Ulrich 30 years ago, a growing number of studies suggests that visual exposure to nature not only reduces patients’ stress, but also pain.
Large openings on to outdoor greenery and access to natural light are recognized to reduce stress among patients and staff. And so do nature-themed visuals (natural materials or imitations, images of nature landscapes, neutral and natural colors).
Features
- Large openings to nature access to natural light
- Visual representations related to nature and presence of plants
- Materials with natural effects (wood, fibres, minerals,...)
Colors
- Natural
- Neutral
- Muted
Projects in Asia
Homely Design Trend
Humanising Hospitals
Warm and welcoming spaces reflect a human-centred approach that respects the privacy and dignity of each individual. Soothing and intimate spaces will be created using familiar materials and patterns, ‘just like home’. This will be particularly powerful for the elderly. Familiar and non-institutional atmospheres help create soothing, intimate spaces that protect individual privacy and dignity, contributing to a positive patient journey.
Features
- Familiar, non-institutional feel
- Spaces on a human scale
- Spaces with a focus on privacy
Colors
- Pastel
- Neutral
- Muted
- Intense
Projects in Asia
Graphic Design Trend
Creative Intuitive Spaces
Colour and surfaces are used to communicate, orientate, guide and distract patients and their relatives. Spaces become intuitive, playful and easy to live in. This type of atmosphere is particularly suitable for paediatric wards. The imaginative use of graphics and colour can create effective wayfinding solutions and provide positive distraction. Customised design with Tarkett’s Floorcraft service can make the decor even more distinctive.
Features
- Effective wayfinding
- Diverse range of spaces
- Educational spaces
- Positive distraction
Colors
- Bright
- Neutral
- Intense