Medical care is changing at a rapid rate. More and more healthcare is being provided to outpatients and specialized care. The huge hospital with multiple wings is becoming obsolete as fewer and fewer patients seek inpatient care. Consequently, the growth and popularity of smaller satellite facilities is inevitable.
The New Focus of Healthcare has Influenced Design Changes
As the emphasis on healthcare moves from offering acute care in larger facilities to preventative care offered in a smaller more intimate setting that providing a more holistic environment, we move toward continuous health and wellbeing. Sustainability is another increasingly important factor in facility design. Utilizing the sun to provide light, avoiding the use of toxic materials in construction and saving water and energy are all concerns when creating a sustainable healthcare structure. These trends are reflected in the design of a facility’s patient rooms, nursing stations, public areas, testing areas, etc.
Green is the Future of Healthcare Facilities
For the most part the healthcare facility construction of hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, dental offices, nursing homes and birthing centers are following the green building philosophy. Sustainability is of the utmost importance as is providing a non-toxic environment. From the top down, healthcare facilities are considering the best possible options for attaining sustainability. One option that has been utilized is the green roof which has a longer life span than conventional roofing. Roofs are a viable part of the surrounding environment using sustainable materials such as water absorbent Styrofoam insulation. Roofs that once lasted up to 20 years can now last 40 or more years.
