Safe spaces that feel human. Designing healthcare environments where compliance and comfort coexist.
Designing a space to be safe and aesthetic can be a challenge when refurbishing healthcare facilities. A safe space with anti-ligature fittings may also feel hostile and absorb a lot of attention within the safety design. Decisions like these can be made quickly, and they may end up being made without much consideration, especially with regard to aesthetics.
Unfortunately, these places can be very hard to be in. A space can be safe and meet all of the compliance regulations, but that doesn't mean that the design of that space is a success. A space can feel very cold and uninviting, and that is a design failure in a space that is meant to meet the needs of patients and staff.
For spaces like these, that is where the design of the spaces comes in, and it is about time that it is done for all spaces in these facilities, and not just the spaces with the highest anti-ligature requirements.
In mental health units, communal areas and lounge areas have more options for furniture and fittings, as they have to be assessed for ligature risks, whereas options in washrooms are more limited. Decisions like the use of colour, acoustic panels, lighting design, and the right choice of soft furnishings have a significant effect on the overall experience of the patients and how they feel about the time spent in the area.
Bedrooms present a different challenge, and striking the right balance between personal and safety in a design that does not feel like a prison is one of the most difficult design challenges in this industry. Knowing what to do to get this right means understanding the risks and the requirements of the particular unit, as well as what makes a space feel personal to the occupant.
The staff areas, like offices and break rooms are often designed as an afterthought. Most of the design focus is on incorporating staff areas, but a space designed for staff is more comfortable and more impactful for long shifts than incorporating spaces. Ultimately designed staff areas impact the operational capacity and effectiveness of the unit in a positive way.
Sensory considerations are integrated into building design to enhance the overall mental well-being of the space and should not be considered a separate specialized approach. For example, lighting and its color temperature can either facilitate or hinder sleep and mood, while sound absorption in common areas can be a space of discomfort for some creates a quieter and more conducive environment for all. Additionally, individuals with cognitive impairments may benefit from increased color contrast. There are numerous opportunities for thoughtful design within the boundaries of building codes.
Most of the time, design decisions that impact sensory qualities determine whether a space feels more human or more functional, and whether it is more usable or more utilitarian.
We assess each space in terms of the applicable codes, the associated risks, and the opportunities for design that may fall within those parameters. The restroom is just one room in the building, while the design brief for the interior will cover the entire building. If you're planning a refurbishment and would like the safety and design thinking to be aligned, please contact us with the details of the project.
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