This week, I decided to research an article looking back and
focusing on how Steelcase views time spent in healthcare situations. In their
article “Making Every Moment Meaningful”, Steelcase discusses how individuals
experience healthcare and how, most of the time, they cannot make the most of
their time because they spend so long waiting for direction, waiting for
consultation, or waiting for results. Patients are squeezed into small waiting
areas, anxious and uncomfortable because there are no direct sight lines to the
caregiver nor is there a focus on privacy.
It is obvious that most clinics and hospitals do not account
for how patients will want to spend their time, and Steelcase wants to change
that. They explain that people want control over how they spend their time,
whether it be consulting with a physician, watching instructional videos,
waiting for key information, or simply relaxing. There are other practical
concerns, as well, such as the need for a place to store personal belongings or
to connect with others or to technology. There are many aspects of transition
spaces to keep in mind when designing, and while we have already solidified our
furniture selection and layout, it’s always nice to look back and see what
Steelcase views as important and how it is reflected in the NEXT project.
Along with having already selected our furniture, we have
also selected our materials. However, in this selection process, there were
many factors to take into account. In a healthcare environment there is a
standard for cleanliness that furniture selection, space planning, and material
choice needs to consider. Because of this need for cleanliness, and the open layout
of the overall clinic, I made sure that every material selected could be
cleaned using diluted bleach. Not only do clinics have to remain clean, the
upholstery and other materials must be durable so as to last through many years
of use. This other necessity has lead me to choose materials that are not only
bleach cleanable, but also can withstand over 100,000 double rubs. With these
material choices, my NEXT clinic should be able to provide a clean, refreshing
atmosphere for both patients and clinicians.
Catie,
ReplyDeleteI also looked at this article a few weeks back, and I think it gives us a wonderful idea of how Steelcase strives to 'Make every moment meaningful.' I think this is always great to keep in mind when designing, specifically in healthcare, and from what I have seen of your project, I am sure you have done this well.
I am looking forward to seeing your final project, materials and all! I know whatever you produce will be top notch and wonderful :)
Taking advantage of every moment is so important. Maybe it's just my personality, but I absolutely hate when I feel like I'm wasting my time. A place where I very often feel I am wasting my time is at the doctor's office. It's so important that we take our personal experiences and put them into our designs. I'm glad you took the time to research this.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your statements about material cleanability in a healthcare setting. This is probably the most important aspect of healthcare design. Healthy environments lead to healthy patients. Can't wait to see your designs on Wednesday!