Creative Works

February 19th 2021

We aren't experts in everything. When thinking about designing shared spaces, it is important to consult your key stakeholders.

Today I learnt a lesson in resourcefulness. As part of one of our modules we were tasked with re-designing a healthcare facility (will not elaborate on specifics too much, here are I have my main takeaways). We were all placed into a group consisting of both medics and architecture students from another university, and given the drawn up plans and pictures of a healthcare facility that already exists. Videos were also provided which highlighted the perceptions of the people that regularly use this facility.

From very early on it was clear that the space was not suitable for the users of that facility: the doctors, the patients, and the administration staff.

• There was a lack of privacy → some conversations could be overheard, which is uncomfortable for both doctors and patients coming in which an embarrassing condition

• The space was not well-adapted to patients of all ages → children using the space could easily feel intimidated by high walls, narrow corridors and lack of signage

• The colour scheme was bland, lacking life → not a very welcoming atmosphere for doctors and admin who have to go there every day

We were able to design a space which met the needs of as many users as possible. These are probably the most noteworthy changes I felt that we were able to suggest:

Light, pastel colours → these helped to make the rooms feel more open, a more pleasant environment to work in

Green wall and central garden area → introducing nature into the inside environment has psychological benefits, and helps to give life to the indoor setting. Research does show the impact of green areas on mental health.

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This is also coupled with the need to allow natural light into indoor spaces, especially in certain parts of the world where daylight hours are limited. Doctors and administration staff who often clock in and out when it's still dark will benefit from the addition.

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CLT wood → this is cross-laminated timber wood, now being seen in areas that promote sustainability. But it's not only that - the wood has a nice resinous smell! It gives the place a very homely feel to it, and this would help to put patients at ease.

Privacy pods → This would help to create a sense of community even while having a bit of privacy.

In the end...

It was a valuable experience. I wasn't looking forward to it when it was first present to us, if I'm being honest; the exercise has taken about 18 hours of contact time (9 hours on a Friday in December of last year, and 9 hours on a Friday, today, February). And the outcome wasn't being assessed. But I decided to write about it because on reflection I've realised that it has been valuable to my future work as a doctor.