Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/334922
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + +++ + +++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HEALTHCARE ARCHITECTURE T HE SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR design of any medical office space goes far beyond selecting paint colors for the walls. It involves a total theme that should be centered on patients and how they interact with the surrounding environment. With the help of your design professional and a good understanding of a few basic principles, you can be well on your way to creating an inviting clinical environ- ment that promotes patient healing and gives you the edge over your competition. Color It is a documented fact that color plays an important role in our lives and directly influences our mood and emotion. Color is a strong design element in any interior. There are no hard and fast rules of which colors can or cannot be used in a healthcare setting. Our interior design staff begins the color selection process by interview- ing clients as to their general likes and dislikes. Once a general theme or concept is developed, the interior design team moves forward in that direction, selecting colors and accents that complement each other and work together as a whole. Begin with a concept, develop the ideas around this concept, be consistent by adhering to that theme, and move on. Wall Finishes and Floor Treatments The number of different types of finishes available for use in the modern-day medical office can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips. We have found that wall covering is a typically underspecified product. It is important to utilize only commercial-rated products. Don't fall victim to using some- thing that may look good in your dining room for your high-traffic waiting room. Residential wall covering will not hold up to the day-to-day abuse of waiting room chair traffic, children's play areas and harsh cleaning solutions. Floor finishes in clinical areas should utilize seamless sheet vinyl. This is a very durable product that resists stains, holds up to rolling traffic and is very easily maintained. Resort to using 12-inch-by- 12-inch vinyl composition tile only when the project budget forces you to, as this material tends to trap dirt in the joints, is difficult to maintain and gives a very institutional feel to the space. Carpeting is a material that is often overlooked and easily compromised. Treat carpeting as an asset to your office environ- ment. Like many other products, you get what you pay for; don't accept cheap, inferior carpeting, as you will soon be replacing it. The key to the long-lasting appearance of any carpet is regular maintenance. Inform your cleaning crew of the proper procedure, and have them adhere to a regimented cleaning schedule to maintain the invest- ment and aesthetics of your carpet. For infection control, remember not to use carpeting in areas of direct patient care, such as exam or treatment rooms. Lighting Lighting is a key design element that is both functional and aesthetic. Think about the use of the area and how you function in it. In today's high-tech world, there are many good lighting control systems that allow you to conserve energy, improve security Creating a By Greg A. Chianis, AIA Healing Environment 1 4 | Central New York MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M