THE PATIENT ENVIRONMENT
award-winning architects, Schmidt Hammer Lassen, Swedoor created three custom shades to align with their wider vision. In total, 700 doorsets were supplied in a bespoke palette that was in keeping with the artistic concept of the building. Each carried a laminate finish to offer exceptional durability, ease of maintenance, and hygiene, and – where required – fire safety and noise reduction features were specified to further enhance the performance of the product.
Fusing colour theory with functionality Fusing the principals of colour theory with functionality in this way enabled the hospital to take an holistic approach to its interiors. This strategy harnesses the psychological effect of each carefully chosen hue to foster a feeling of comfort and wellbeing for the thousands of patients and staff members who pass through its doors each day. Biophilic design, which incorporates elements of nature into the built environment, such as organic forms, natural light, and representations of wildlife, has gained significant traction in recent years. While not a novel concept, its application in healthcare settings has seen renewed interest due to its profound impact on patient wellbeing and recovery. Research5
consistently
demonstrates that biophilic design improves occupants’ wellbeing by fostering feelings of calm and relaxation. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine6
to real or artificial nature experienced less stress than those who had no exposure to nature. Taking this approach can not only make the hospital experience more visually appealing, but also less daunting for patients and visitors alike. The new Tyks Lighthouse Hospital in Turku in Finland
offers a compelling demonstration of biophilia’s power in healthcare settings. Opened to the public in 2022, the hospital’s iconic design pays homage to Finland’s rich and diverse natural habitat, creating a healing and relaxing environment for patients. Each unit is themed around a dedicated animal – from fish and swans to otters and birds – while each floor boasts its own nautical colour scheme.
found that patients exposed
Biophilic design, which incorporates elements of nature into the built environment, such as organic forms, natural light, and representations of wildlife, has gained significant traction in recent years
In specifying internal doorsets for this development,
Swedoor faced the challenge of visually representing these themes while adhering to the stringent standards set for hospital doors, including hygiene, durability, fire safety, and sound insulation.
Birch-patterned and white colourways Leveraging Swedoor’s customisation capabilities, designers purposefully chose a birch-patterned and white colourway for most standard doorsets, harmonising with the wider hospital surroundings. To further enhance the wildlife theme and add visual appeal, many doors were completed with a laminated animal print using hygienic DEKO coating.
Our work at Södersjukhuset, one of the largest district
general hospitals in Stockholm, provides another example of successful biophilic design implementation. As part of a comprehensive transformation of this former accident and emergency hospital, the adult emergency department was converted into a state-of-the-art neonatal facility. The design team aimed to create a bright, comfortable
environment for premature babies, their parents, and staff. Swedoor helped achieve this by pairing a neutral palette with unique clad doors featuring a luxury ash laminate finish. This bespoke design, specified to capture the intrinsic beauty and tactile appeal of real wood, brought a warm, rustic touch to the space, making it feel less clinical than traditional hospital settings. Marrying form with function, brown linings around
the doorsets not only enhance the natural colour scale, but also provide a contrast between the wall and door
January 2025 Health Estate Journal 73
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