"Can we get Beyonce's Room?"

via designapplause.com

"Think Big" is the catchphrase for Interior Design Magazine's round table discussion regarding the future of health care design, one of our industry's fastest growing specialties. The gathering took place at NeoCon a few weeks ago, where more than 20 interior designers from throughout the United States took part in a conversation that has been a long time coming. I have always had an interest in healthcare design, and found this article incredibly interesting, seeing as how it could be more mainstream than industry specific, given the slogan for the meeting. Let's break down the main questions and topics that were discussed:

1. What will the future of healthcare look like and how can we use it to create opportunity for design?

I like one designer's point that human wellness should not be solely limited to healthcare design - it is an overall goal in all types of design- residential, hospitality, and retail. Wellness is the absence of illness, and all designers should strive to create environments that kindle wellness. 

2.  Reimbursements are still the driving force of change, but once clients opt for change, there are more choices than ever before.

Patients are, in theory, consumers. Thus it is important to remember that they want forward thinking design, and design that separates one brand from a competitor's. Branding can be carried throughout many aspects of the design of a space. Thus, when a patient asks for Beyonce's room at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital, they are seeking a particular experience.

Beyonce's suite at Lenox Hill Hospital

3.   The notion of community-based markets raised the question of whether smaller, ambulatory care spaces could be designed at the same level as larger health-care projects.

Ask I wrote about in this post, universal design is a tool for supporting healthy aging in place, and making everyday tasks easier for all, regardless of age or physical abilities. Trendy design does not always mean that it is the best design based on client needs, particularly in the case of healthcare facilities where universal design is premium.

Spaulding Rehabilitation, opened in April 2013 in Charlestown.

4.  Identifying a clear need for resources (consulting, post occupancy, products) across the spectrum in healthcare.

Since the healthcare design field is growing at such a rapid pace, designers are constantly seeking the help of consultants in order to stay informed about the latest advancements. Firms that bring on consultants in house are viewed as more competitive.

It's food for thought. What are your opinions about these main ideas?