Healing Atmosphere Inspired By Hospitality

17 Feb 2023
By Deshal Shah

Healthcare and hospitality are polar opposite industries in terms of its functionality. But while observing it closely, it is found that the most important part of both these is the user experience. A pleasant client experience is the desired outcome of the two in subject. With the help of architecture, we look at the tangible and intangible aspects of hospitality but for healthcare.

The principal goal of medical facility is to equip itself with environment that is suitable to carry out intricate procedures and to house new technology. Sterile, bare and clinical are the common words that come to mind while thinking about hospitals. But does it really have to be that way? How does it affect the mental health of the patients?

Health is a state of complete physical and mental wellbeing. Even though aesthetic is not the priority in providing quality treatment, it sure offers a sense clam and helps to induce an ambience that promote healing. The contemporary culture and its influence over visual appeal immersed into the space planning can filter out an immersive sensory experience. It shifts the design into becoming kinder and meaningful.

Twig Fertility Clinic

Twig fertility clinic, Toronto feels more like residence because of the warmth of the selected materials. Islyn design studio carefully incorporated the details which forms a connection with the neighborhood.

The customer-oriented model of hospitality when employed for healthcare can be a reminiscent of high-end wellness center or spa. It falls under the wider category when medical facilities overlap luxurious amenities of hotels. This approach is taken up by keeping the functionality and ambience apart yet there is durability, high performance and ease of maintenance in the design. Such a patient experience is targeted to achieve to reduce the anxiety caused by visiting hospitals and meeting the doctors (iatrophobia & nosocomephobia).

EKH Children Hospital

EKH Children Hospital in Thailand designed by IF offers lively and safe space not only for kids but also their families. It has curved shapes and pastel tones throughout whereas the reception is filled with playful elements distracting the kids from a typically dispassionate environment.

The healing centers forming close connection with nature has an optimistic influence on the patients. The facilities and activities surrounding the nature are introduced, in order to shift the focus to comfort and wellbeing which can reduce the despair of illness.

Waldkliniken Eisenberg

Waldkliniken Eisenberg by Matteo Thun & Partners, Germany is a large circular volume surrounded by rich vegetation. From light-filled rooms to functional layouts, it sets a new precedent for the patient hospital experience.

Design is the key for changing the landscape of healthcare. The reframed version of adopting the features of hospitality for medical services has interesting results. It accounts for value and satisfaction which is often missing in the traditional hospital environment.

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