ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
Good design and signage make all the difference
Alex Warren, an associate director at The Manser Practice, an award-winning architectural firm specialising in healthcare design, discusses the positive impact that good interior design, signage, and wayfinding, can make in a range of healthcare facilities, for patients, staff, and visitors alike.
Good interior design, and clear, effective signage, are not just ‘nice to have’, they are essential for healthcare environments, and can have a significant impact on patient experience, recovery, and staff productivity. They help give a space character, and encourage staff to take ownership of, and have pride in, their facility – often leading to happier staff and better patient care. When thoughtfully considered, good interior design and wayfinding can contribute to increased patient satisfaction, and a more efficient and attractive workplace, yet they are often overlooked. Many healthcare facilities appear to have no interior design at all, and a jumble of signage added ad hoc over a number of years.
Getting the basics right: space and (natural) light
Before considering interior design and signage, it is important to address two of the most fundamental elements of healthcare design: space and light. The right balance of space and light can improve patient recovery, increase staff productivity, and create a more welcoming environment for visitors. The right space is essential to promote the safe and efficient flow of patients, staff, and equipment, reducing congestion and minimising stress. Adequate space is also essential for patient privacy, helping people to feel more comfortable during consultations, treatments, or waiting times. For healthcare staff, well-designed spaces and thoughtful adjacencies improve workflow by placing essential equipment and areas in accessible, logical locations, increasing efficiency. Light, and particularly natural light, also plays an important role in healthcare environments. Natural light has been shown to improve mood, regulate circadian rhythms, and support sleep, all of which are crucial for recovery. Large windows, rooflights, and open spaces that allow natural light to flood an area, can contribute significantly to a more pleasant and therapeutic atmosphere. In patient rooms, access to daylight can reduce stress and anxiety, fostering a more calming and healing environment. Bright, well-lit spaces also contribute to a more vibrant and positive atmosphere, enhancing patient comfort and relaxation. For staff, natural light has been linked to increased focus, energy, and productivity, helping to improve staff retention, and also reducing the likelihood of ‘burnout’ in demanding healthcare settings. The concept of healing environments has been
extensively researched, with evidence showing that design can influence both physical recovery and mental health outcomes. Studies have shown that well-designed
spaces can reduce patient stress, anxiety, and even pain levels, contributing to faster recovery and improved health outcomes. Interior design is therefore not just about aesthetics. It is an essential component in shaping the functionality and atmosphere of healthcare environments. Interior design has a direct impact on the physical and emotional experience of patients, families, and staff. Key elements such as colour schemes, layout, furniture, lighting, acoustics, and artwork, are integral to creating an environment that promotes healing, comfort, and confidence.
Colours’ profound impact The colours used in healthcare environments can be subjective, but they have a profound effect on the mood and feelings of patients and visitors. Warm tones can make a space feel more welcoming, while cooler tones can promote relaxation and stress reduction. Soft, muted tones such as blues, greens, and earth tones, are commonly used in healthcare design because they are calming and soothing. At Wembley Park Medical Centre (see photos), The Manser Practice designed the GP surgery with two ‘wings’ – blue and green, to help patient wayfinding. Workshops with staff revealed that they preferred neither typical NHS pastel colours, nor bright primary colours,
These photos show Wembley Park Medical Centre, a 1300 m2
NHS
‘super surgery’ completed by The Manser Practice in 2024. The facility serves up to 25,000 patients, and provides two clinical suites, with 14 consulting rooms, four treatment rooms, and an e-consultation room, as well as staff facilities and patient areas. The interior design uses a range of colours, signage, and wall graphics, to differentiate key areas of the building, ‘creating a clear visual identity that has received fantastic feedback from patients and staff’.
May 2025 Health Estate Journal 81
Photography by Ruth Ward
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