The Design
THE IFHC ARCHITECT DESIGN
Therapeutic Environment
Using familiar and non-institutional materials with cheerful and varied colours and textures
Opening up an inwardly directed environment with views of landscaped courtyards and other outdoor spaces, particularly from waiting spaces.
Keep in mind that some colours are inappropriate and can interfere with provider assessments of patient's pallor and skin tones, disorient older or impaired patients, or agitate patients, staff, and particularly some psychiatric patients.
Admitting ample natural light wherever feasible and using lighting in interior spaces, which closely approximates natural daylight
Promoting patient dignity and privacy by visual screening within exam rooms and sound insulation between exam and consultation rooms and other spaces
Encouraging patient independence by a patient-orientated layout, with clear and uncomplicated patient routes, visual cues, and clear signage
Providing quiet areas
Ensuring grades are flat enough to allow easy movement, and corridors are wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass easily
Ensuring entrance areas are designed to accommodate patients with slower adaptation rates to dark and light; marking glass walls and doors to make their presence obvious
Midlands GREEN PRINCIPLES - passive and active sustainable design principles integrated in new designs.
Achieving Accessibility through Universal Design Principles Equitable use Flexibility in use Simple and intuitive Perceptible information Tolerance for error Low physical effort Size and space for approach and use
Cleanliness and Sanitation The cleanliness of a facility is not only related to a patient's medical recovery, but can also affect the perceived level of care. To maintain a sanitary environment, Appropriate, durable finishes for each functional space. Antimicrobial surfaces might be considered for appropriate locations
spaces should be easy to clean and maintain
Proper detailing of such features as doorframes, casework, and finish transitions to avoid dirt-catching and hard-to-clean crevices and joints
Adequate and appropriately located housekeeping spaces
Security and Safety
In addition to general safety concerns of all buildings, clinics have several particular security concerns: Protection of clinic property and assets, including drugs Protection of patients, including incapacitated patients and staff Violent or unstable patients need to be controlled safely Easy to recognize, with a welcoming image and clear, appropriately located directional signage Easy to enter, with visible, well-identified entrance, and a clear route from parking Safety = security; safety = defensible space; safety = defensible space
Aesthetics
Aesthetics are closely related to creating a therapeutic environment (homelike, attractive). Also, aesthetics are important to the clinic's public image and is thus an important marketing tool, both for patients and staff. Aesthetic considerations include: Increased use of natural light, natural materials, and textures Use of artwork Attention to detail, proportions, colour, and scale Bright, open, generously scaled public spaces Signage that promotes optimal way-finding, satisfies the orientation needs of the first-time patient, allows easy navigation, and provides highly visible reference points immediately adjacent to each major entrance