It is More than Just a Pretty Surface

Importance of Surfaces in a Healthcare Environment

by Gabrielle Landry

Patients, visitors, and caregivers coexist and interact continuously in healthcare spaces, and the path to healing leads each to several different places. As a designer in healthcare, one must focus on not only creating beautiful spaces, but also on selecting materials that protect against the spread of infection and ultimately help keep patients, visitors, and caregivers safe. This must be done to make an environment feel welcoming and approachable without compromising performance.

Floor

Starting from the ground up, your shoes are the first to touch a surface anywhere you go. Have you ever thought about the floor on which you are standing? In a healthcare setting, it could be a variety of materials:

Counter

Now that you have made it through the door, you make your way over to the check-in station. As you approach, you place your hands on the countertop. As you look down, you might not think anything of it, but it is probably one of the most touched surfaces in the space. After all, most of the business of healthcare takes place on this surface. Countertops must be non-porous to meet industry requirements.  Common surfaces include:

Furniture

Finally, it is time to take a seat. Did you know that on average, humans sit for 10 hours a day? It makes you wonder how many people have been there before you. Not to worry, because the seat you are in is cleaner than you think. The material must be non-porous and stand up to abrasion, staining, moisture, and constant use. Suitable options are:

So, the next time you visit a healthcare facility, take a look around and remember that the materials and furniture around you are more than just a pretty surface. They are meant to promote health and wellness and protect patients, visitors, and caregivers.

H/S EXPERIENCE

Holly & Smith Architects' award-winning portfolio of work includes numerous healthcare projects. H/S has a deep understanding of the way healthcare environments function. We pride ourselves on creating spaces and environments in which our clients - and, in turn, the people they serve - enjoy spending their time. We know that there are unique circumstances that drive how the space should look and work.  Healthcare environments are key to health and wellness, and we pride ourselves on creating spaces that promote those things.

As human beings, we spend our personal and professional time within the built environment. As Architects and Interior Designers, we are privileged to create spaces where people can heal, gather, live, learn, work, eat, sleep, and worship. Therefore, it is incumbent that we design spaces that enhance the quality of life and nurture a greater passion for living. Our design approach is influenced by the environment, culture, and community in which design exists. To take it further... We Design for Life.