The look of hospitals and doctors’ offices have changed over the past couple of decades. The furniture in healthcare interior design has made a change, too; an evolution for the better. Mid-century modern furniture has made a comeback. Cleanable fabrics and finishes that continue to look like new are the leading features of 21st-century healthcare furniture design.
Hospitality is the Springboard
Hospitals are no longer viewed merely as medical healing environments. Taking a cue from the hospitality industry, modern hospital design seeks to start the healing process the moment patients and families enter the doors. Lobbies and reception areas are designed to be welcoming. They provide seating that would look like you’re at home, a resort, or a hotel lounge. Families appreciate this trend in waiting room seating. Unlike the straight-backed conference room-like seating of the past, the new lounge-like furniture is comfortable and beautiful. There is less sameness; more individuality in hospital interior design.
A New Order in ER Design
There is calm in the look and design of the ER today. A hospital emergency suite is a hub of activity as the name suggests. In the not so distant past, ER patients came in, took a seat and a number to wait for the chance to make it to a treatment room. The design of the ER has changed to move patients to private monitored rooms, instead of the curtained areas of a few years ago. This is a significant change in hospital room design because it directly addresses an infection prevention concern.
Patient Room Design Upgrade
Patient rooms used to house more than one person in a ward. Design was non-existent because beds, overbed tables, nightstands and small chairs were all that would fit in these wards. Patient rooms today, are private or semi-private. The influence of hospitality is present in today’s patient room. They, of course, have beds and nightstands but the design has evolved to add amenities for visitors. The desk and the sofa sleeper in a patient room should be equipped with the technology to allow computers and phones to stay connected to the internet.
To learn more about the current trends in healthcare design click here.
