2024 Commercial Trend: Soothing Sanctuaries
Soothing Sanctuaries
Studies show that a well-designed hospital environment can have a profound impact on a patient's experience, accelerating recovery and promoting wellbeing.
When transforming highly medicalised environments into calming, Soothing Sanctuaries, designers and architects are encouraged to create spaces where patients feel safe and reassured, and staff feel supported and proud to work.
Selecting warm, comforting colour palettes and natural-looking finishes can play a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes and reducing their length of stay as well as boosting staff productivity and attracting and retaining talent.
A 2021 study demonstrated the positive effect of colours on patients’ post-operative healing times.
Colour and Styling Considerations
Colour Psychology
Colour has the ability to elicit emotional responses, making patients feel excited, calm or stressed.
Designers should be intentional with their use of colour with careful consideration given to the way in which colour can be used to guide patient wayfinding and to visual contrast for visually impaired patients and patients with dementia.
Safety
Soothing Sanctuaries must by their very nature be safe places. Designers and architects must consider more than just aesthetic appeal, they must also select for safety.
Select products that meet slip requirements, infection control needs, with low VOCs and sustainability credentials.
Rest and Respite
When planning Soothing Sanctuaries designers are encouraged to think beyond patient experience to consider the needs of healthcare staff.
Private spaces that are dedicated to rest and respite is key for both the mental and physical wellbeing of healthcare professionals.
