Designs for the healthcare sector

Carol Kartje
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What is a ‘healing environment’?

Healing design and healing environments – these are not new concepts. Way back in ancient times, the Greeks used to put their hospitals on the most auspicious sites, with beautiful views and healing gardens. So there are other cultures around the word that have done this for a long period of time.

The essential elements of healing are holistic design nurturing the body, mind and spirit, and a connection to nature. Daylight and views, for example. We are so uplifted by exposure to light and by engaging all of our senses.

There may be smells that were not so wonderful in previous institutional settings but it’s about thinking about what you see and how it feels to each and every one of our human senses. Also, noise and chaos are very stressful.
 
We are conscious of all the environmental stressors so it is important that architects and designers promote and contribute to the healing process.

How do you go about designing the interiors of these spaces?

Firstly, it’s the way in which we conceive the adjacency of spaces, so it starts at a very basic level. As a designer we layer on top of that with the shape and sculpting of spaces. We create a rhythm and an understanding. We build into the environments a real physical place where you can stop and step aside from the flow of traffic.

Landmarking in the building is also important – we consciously build in physical architectural landmarks in ceilings, in walls, in materials, in colour and then ultimately in signage, to make sure that the interior architecture used is very meaningful and intentional. That’s really where I start. The final layer is texture, material, colour and so on. Healthcare safety is also crucial. We are conscious of the person’s state of mind but their safety as well.

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How has this been implemented into the design concept of the new Danat Al Emarat hospital in Abu Dhabi?

Hospitals are moving more towards a hotel-like experience but we define it specifically for this particular hospital. There is a grand scale of graciousness and personalised attention.

Danat Al Emarat Women and Children’s Hospital will be on an auspicious site, in an auspicious place that will be recognised for its caring and progress. This place is really going to be a tribute to the women and children of the UAE.

How difficult is it to achieve cutting-edge design in an environment where hygiene is paramount?

At this point I don’t find it a challenge. I have been involved in healthcare design for a long, long time, so I can incorporate the most luxurious materials that are equally safe, durable, cleanable and can stand the test of time. I have found a way to discreetly integrate the appropriate materials in the appropriate places so that big cleaning machines won’t damage them. We can still get the sculptural interior image while protecting our clients’ assets, so that ten years later it will look the same.

What do you see for the future of design and architecture?

If we do not listen to young talent we will miss opportunities. I believe that we need to get them right out there from the beginning. If you are pushed in at the deep end, guess what? You will not only survive, but you will thrive and shoot to the top!

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