FLOORING AND DESIGN
do not release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have suitable acoustic qualities to support the use of the space
l Use a natural colour palette for your scheme
Where circumstances do not lend themselves to the inclusion of natural features, designers are challenged to think creatively for solutions. A rigorous cleaning regime, for example, may limit material choices, or an inner-city location may exclude the possibility for green views, although art depicting natural scenery can still evoke a similar sense of calm. Just as wood-effect flooring can closely mimic the real thing.
Inclusive environments Walking into a hospital setting can be a daunting experience for any patient, as well as for family and friends visiting. For those who are neurodiverse or living with dementia, it can be unsettling, which is why creating inclusive environments can contribute to more positive inpatient stays and outpatient visits. Sensory, mobility, or cognitive impairments (or sometimes a combination of all three) can have a serious impact on the way people experience care facilities. Functioning, behaviour, independence and, ultimately, quality of life can all be compromised, but appropriately designed environments – including the correct specification of floor coverings – can help keep them safe. Currently, there are around 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, a figure that is projected to rise to 1.6 million people by 2040.3
Dementia is an umbrella
term that covers a range of conditions that affect the brain, with each of the different types of dementia having different sets of symptoms and effects. This can include issues with memory, thinking, reasoning, language, movement, and motor control. Dementia can also affect perception, so people may have problems seeing things in three dimensions and judging distances. In collaboration with the Dementia
Services Design Centre (DSDC), Forbo has developed a portfolio of solutions that work with their set of guidelines to ensure that everyone can navigate a building safely: l It is recommended that a difference of 30 degrees in Light Reflectance Values (LRV) is achieved between surfaces – such as floors, walls, and doors.
l Adjoining floor areas must be similar tonally to prevent the perception of a step that is not there and could cause a fall. Flooring LRVs should be within eight degrees of each other (although less is better).
l The transition strips between flooring should also match the tones of both
IFHE DIGEST 2025 85
flooring surfaces, with an ideal difference of no more than three degrees of LRV. Greater tonal difference can again create the illusion of a change in floor height.
l For flooring, a matt finish with a simple, plain design is recommended. Flecked, striped, or patterned effects or flooring that incorporates a logo should be avoided as these can cause confusion and hallucinations. Also, glossy or sparkly flooring could be perceived as a wet surface.
Acoustics Providing an environment with minimal noise is essential in healthcare facilities. Noise in such buildings can have a variety of sources including alarms, machines, wheeled traffic (moving beds, wheelchairs, and carts), HVAC systems and people. This noise can be harmful if it causes increased levels of stress or disturbs rest and sleep of the patients. Sleep is an important part of recovery and general wellbeing for anyone. Research has shown that despite the need for rest and recovery during acute illness,
hospitalisation is a period of acute sleep deprivation for older adults due to environmental factors. Sleep loss in hospital is associated with worse health outcomes and non-pharmacological interventions have shown promise in improving sleep loss.4 Research by acoustical engineers at John Hopkins University found that noise in hospitals has significantly increased since the 1960s; average daytime hospital sound levels have risen from 57 to 72 dB, while average night-time levels have increased from 42 to 60 dB.5
All these
levels exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of 35 dB upper limit for sound levels in patient rooms. As such, creating a comfortable
acoustic environment can play an important role in supporting safety, health, and wellbeing for all occupants. In recognition of the effect noise can have on individuals, manufacturers are constantly striving to develop innovative acoustic products to meet customer demand and regulatory requirements. Building elements such as acoustic
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