With no sign of slowing down, the healthcare industry has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in our economy. As the population continues to grow, healthcare facilities are looking to grow and expand its facilities and services beyond what being offered currently.

As innovation arises, the healthcare industry is looking for different approaches in designing healthcare spaces – whether it’s the patient rooms, medical facilities, outpatient treatment or simply elevating the common area by improving the experiences and comfort for patients and their immediate family members. With more emphasis on easing anxieties, focus on healing atmospheres, and the usage of new technologies.

Below are 5 trends to consider when designing for healthcare

1. Technology friendly
As technology grow, so does the demand to streamline the design into healthcare facilities. Not just in the equipment for new procedures but in the interface that your office has with your clients. Touch screens through check-in are indications of a smooth and modern medical practice, and can add that extra sense of luxury to your practice.

Technology enables people to become more active participants in their own care, and those who do so are likely to have improved health behaviors, positive care outcomes, and enjoyable care experiences. Simple engagement tools such as personal tablets and self check-in kiosks are already well-established in many settings, but the opportunities for deploying technology throughout the care experience are expanding rapidly.

2. Multi-Purpose Spaces

In these days of age, people have become accustomed to multi-tasking. By integrating spaces to feature multiple functions make sense, especially smaller spaces that require optimum use of every inch available. Flexibility in these spaces allows for more options with the patient, allowing for multiple uses in one single area.
As a result, architects have envisaged solutions not only for the buildings themselves but also for their interiors, which are redefined by more open, inviting, and generous living spaces. The hospital becomes a positive, modern environment that is connected to the world outside. This trend seeks to ensure the following:

● Added value to energize and humanize
● A high-tech effect
● Open architecture
● Pure lines and organic forms
● Esthetics
● Contemporary designer style

3. Thematic Design

For the past few decades, healthcare design was pretty standard with little emphasis put on style, decor, or fixtures turning every facility into a clone of each other. But now, hospitals and clinics are shaking things up with their design palettes and concepts.
For example, color, patterns, and texture can:
● Provide a cleaner appearance by making stains and marks less visible
● Create interiors that have a positive influence, e.g. healing, homely, stress-reducing
● Identify, unify or separate spaces to improve appearance and function
● Guide and orient for general or specific user profiles, e.g patients with dementia

4. Sustainability & Biophilic Design

Experts forecast that there will be a greater emphasis on health in the future with more green spaces available to contribute to a healthy outdoor life. Besides, hospitals will also have an increasing duty to lead by example in terms of environmental policy.
Today, architects recognize the importance of sustainable development and are defining solutions to reduce the energy costs of hospital buildings which have traditionally been energy hungry. This trend seeks to ensure the following:
● Natural, soothing shades
● Healthy and ecological materials
● Respect of nature
● Low energy solutions
● Natural and recyclable materials

5. Culture and Arts

More and more hospitals and healthcare facilities are incorporating culture and storytelling into their design. This means moving away from sterile white walls and uncomfortable furniture and ensuring that rooms and locations are personalized and more meaningful to both patients and employees.
Now, more than ever, we are seeing art included in healthcare spaces to help create a warm, soothing environment. It’s no longer enough to just have a simple print in a room; spaces are also being designed around artwork like intricate paintings or sculptures. These works of art not only add life into what can be stark healthcare settings, they also can help patients and families alike feel more at home and even more at ease.

To learn more about Shahnaz Healthcare Interiors or to get some inspiration, visit us online or reach out to our team.