Friday 24th June 2005
Kingston University
At this important seminar, jointly organised by the WestFocus Designplus and Health Network, industry and academic experts presented recent findings regarding the key contribution that
optimum design makes in creating successful healing environments.
More than sixty delegates, representing the NHS, major design consultancies, architects, interior designers and academic research centres, listened to presentations and participated in the workshop and networking sessions chaired by Professor Angela Clow of Westminster.
Richard Mazuch from Nightingale Associates discussed his work on sense and sensitive design and presented overwhelming evidence relating to the beneficial affects of lighting and the damage caused by upsetting circadian rhythms.
Dr Mark Matheson and Hilary Dalke from Kingston University reviewed their research in uncovering the huge influence that colour and lighting have in creating successful hospitals and other healthcare environments. The impact of artistic interventions on patients’ sense of well-being was the major focus of the paper presented by University of Westminster’s Professor Frank Hucklebridge.
Following the presentations, delegates participated in a practical workshop discussing a number of key topics. These included existing barriers to the creation of pleasing healthcare environments, management strategies that could be employed to have a swift impact on the aesthetic face of healthcare estates, and practical difficulties delegates had encountered in evaluating the impact of design on long term health care environments.
At the subsequent plenary session, delegates were able to present their views and consider alternate plans of action. The day finished with a lively and fruitful workshop discussion which focused on a number of key healthcare design issues. Amongst the many points raised was the view that there is a culture of ‘short-termism’ in the healthcare estates sector which results in inappropriate allocation of resources and ultimately, lower standards of healthcare.
