DONNA HANNAWAY – HEAD OF MARKETING UK AND IRELAND, FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS, UK FLOORING AND DESIGN


Healing through design: its influence on wellbeing


Whether specifying for state-of-the art cancer care wings, emergency departments, maternity units, or facilities for children and older people, flooring is one of the biggest surfaces in a hospital building, as Donna Hannaway, head of marketing UK and Ireland at Forbo Flooring Systems, explains.


Naturally, the daily wear and tear on flooring caused by heavy equipment, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and a high volume of foot traffic, makes durability a top priority. However, it is also important to consider patient-centred requirements and emerging design trends when selecting flooring options for healthcare facilities.


potential to ease anxiety through thoughtful and inclusive design,1


If specified carefully, flooring has the guiding


patients, visitors, and staff through the hospital’s labyrinth of corridors and wards, and providing the essentials of safety, infection control, and sustainability. By appreciating the importance of hospital flooring and its role in healthcare settings, we can work to create an environment that is calming, informative and safe. This in turn mentally reinforces vitality, contributing to better patient health outcomes as well as other benefits such as an enhanced visitor experience and staff productivity. There are five key themes that can


influence how design affects patient wellbeing.


Biophilic design


Biophilic design is based on what is known as the biophilia hypothesis: “[the] idea that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.” (Encyclopædia Britannica) In simple terms, research has shown


that spending time in nature is extremely beneficial for one’s mental wellbeing and emotional health. Considering the amount of time people now spend indoors, biophilic design harnesses the benefits of being in and around nature to create healthier indoor environments. When applied to a healthcare setting, this design concept has been shown to have a particularly supportive effect. Incorporating the natural environment into the design of a hospital or healthcare


Donna Hannaway Donna Hannaway is a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)


certified professional with over 18 years marketing experience. Beginning her role within Forbo Flooring Systems in 2005, Donna has worked her way up to head of marketing UK &


Ireland. Working from the company’s offices in Preston, she has used her in-depth understanding of the flooring industry to implement inspiring and creative campaigns that promote the benefits of Forbo’s flooring coverings across a range of sectors, including healthcare.


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facility is believed to benefit the patient recovery experience. In fact, a wide range of studies have reported exposure to nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, provide pain relief, improve illness recovery, accelerate healing, enhance staff morale and performance, and lead to fewer conflicts between patients and staff.2 There are several ways to apply biophilic design into hospital and healthcare settings: l Adding indoor plants and greenery to a space.


l Using architectonic features such as fittings, accessories, and wood effect flooring.


l The use of natural materials and ample light to create the sense of being at one with nature.


l Mindfully use natural effects like wood and stone, grass, moss, and water, using digitally printed flooring, where it is appropriate to the application.


l Consider materials that are sustainable, IFHE DIGEST 2025


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