'We invariably strive for inclusive healing architecture'

How can we humanize technical spaces in healthcare? That was one of the central questions on Sept. 12 at Totaal OK, the biennial conference and exhibition event in Utrecht that zooms in on the latest developments in ORs. Lailla Elmessaoudi, senior interior architect at assar architects, devoted an engaging presentation to this important topic, explaining how she and her colleagues lower the threshold to the hospital by designing inclusively and always putting the human aspect first. "We want to create spaces that inspire, evolve with their surroundings and above all: are accessible to everyone."

Clinical, chilly healthcare environments in which visitors do not experience any human warmth and immediately feel "patient": as a passionate interior designer, Elmessaoudi is allergic to them. She therefore makes it a point of honor to transform hospitals and technical care spaces into homey, welcoming environments. "Patients should feel welcome and be able to function independently, with attention to their well-being and privacy," she explains. "In addition, we must ensure that the working environment for healthcare staff is not only functional, but also pleasant and comfortable. Quite a challenge when you see how many complex techniques have to be implemented."

Integral design approach

The key to success, according to Elmessaoudi, is inclusive design. In other words, building for and taking into account the needs of everyone. "That is an important principle in architecture, especially in a healthcare context. Our vision therefore goes far beyond mere aesthetics. At assar architects, we invariably strive for inclusive healing architecture, taking an integrated design approach and a broad vision of accessibility and well-being, with attention to sensory experiences (visual, auditory, tactile and even olfactory), the patient's environment and the integration of new technologies. Soft lighting can create a calming atmosphere, while quiet sounds or music promote well-being. Playing with textures and materials can also reduce patients' stress levels. Through the right lighting and design strategies, we support their natural day-night cycle, contributing to better recovery and overall well-being. Smart, subtly integrated techniques, medical equipment and technology tools and innovations enhance care without disrupting patient comfort. A healing environment carefully designed with rest and comfort in mind can lead to faster recovery, less pain and lower infection risk."

Human- and patient-centered 

The common thread in all assar architects' (healthcare) projects is that the human being - in all his diversity - is central. "That's why we carefully map out each step of the care process so that we can optimally respond to the needs of patients and staff," Elmessaoudi explains. "Patients must first and foremost feel welcome. By designing spaces and processes so that they feel freer and more confident in their choices, we promote their well-being. For example, it is very important that the journey from parking lot to consultation room or operating room runs smoothly, courtesy of a logical spatial layout, clear signage, well-positioned information point or counter, digital information boards and interactive kiosks. A warm, inviting atmosphere also lowers the threshold for entering. Although functionality is paramount, hospital spaces should not feel cold, distant or intimidating. Things like natural light and decentralized artificial lighting with an appropriate color temperature, comfortable seating, attractive wall finishes, color accents, art integration, planting and (references to) natural elements and a visual connection to the outside world help to replace the traditional sterile hospital environment with a more welcoming "hotel atmosphere" and give sterile and technical areas such as operating rooms a more human feel. We also pay due attention to ensuring privacy when designing healthcare environments, including by creating spaces without unwanted views from corridors or other public areas."

Quest for ideal balance

It should be clear: in the hospitals designed by assar architects, nothing is left to chance in terms of architecture and design. Even the look and feel of the corridors is optimized to perfection. "For us, these are not merely connecting routes between rooms and departments, but fully-fledged meeting places," Elmessaoudi explains. "Apart from their aesthetic appearance, we naturally also see to it that the circulation distances to be bridged remain minimal and that ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients do not end up in each other's way. This also ensures a more efficient and structured operation within the hospital, allowing the healthcare professionals present to function optimally. Indeed, in addition to our focus on patient-centered design, it also comes down to creating a pleasant working environment that maximizes staff support. In short: in a hospital, it is always a matter of finding the ideal balance between comfort, aesthetics and functionality. We want to create spaces that inspire, evolve with their surroundings and above all: are accessible to everyone. This creates a (healthcare) architecture that is not only anchored in the present, but also focused on the future."