FLOORING AND DESIGN
It is a common misconception that R10
floor coverings are extremely slip- resistant, with some people believing that the scale starts at R1, when in fact it does not. Ramp test values are also based on ex-factory testing and do not take into account changes in slip resistant properties that could occur during the working life of the floor covering. DIN51130 ramp test values should not be considered in isolation, but rather alongside the PTV as well. Different spaces in a healthcare setting
also have specific requirements. For bathroom, toilet, and changing rooms, a floor covering needs to offer outstanding slip resistance. It must cope with the demands of constant footfall, wheeled traffic, and spillages, as well as the level of cleaning required. In a bedroom, slip resistance is of course important but acoustic and patient comfort properties may also be a priority. Every area within a hospital setting requires full assessment.
Wayfinding Well-designed flooring can aid in guiding patients, visitors, and staff through
complex hospital layouts with ease and minimal stress. The use of colour in a healthcare
environment can not only ensure that a welcoming atmosphere is created, but it can also help to define different areas of a building and assist people with wayfinding. Colour can play a big part in helping people to find their bearings, to understand the spatial layout of the hospital, to note areas that have information about key routes on the site and to recognise that they have arrived at their desired destination. Variation in materials on the floor can
create pathways and help people move around a busy space in a more organised manner. Typical routes along corridors or in large open circulation spaces can be suggested by materials and colours on walls and floors can create pathways and ‘no entry’ areas.10 Furthermore, considering the flooring
from an accessibility perspective for those with limited mobility and neurodiversity eases the way finder’s path and should be barrier free. Another consideration is flooring acoustics for information areas, where people are asking for directions or spaces where patients or loved ones are
receiving difficult news and it may be hard to hear for a number of different reasons. All these factors contribute to creating
a less stressful journey and can go some way to alleviating uncertainty. This makes the use of navigational flooring an important part of the healthcare setting, aiding wellbeing by reducing stress and the knock-on effect this has on the atmosphere.
Conclusion Increasing cost pressures on the NHS and an ageing population (and infrastructure) make it an interesting time in hospital and healthcare design. Yet, with a lens on patient-centred care, commitment to net zero and the complex requirements of a healthcare setting, some exemplary buildings are being constructed. Adaptable buildings, repeatable room
formats, and advanced technology are all on the table, but what does the future for flooring finishes in hospital and healthcare settings look like and how can it contribute to shaping positive patient outcomes? The specification of the flooring clearly requires a holistic approach, balancing the multiple requirements of each area is crucial. By using techniques such as biophilic
design to bring the outside in or designing more inclusive environments to harmonise the senses visually and acoustically, intelligent flooring installation can contribute to a better healthcare experience. From infection control and indoor air
quality to helping users navigate the building, safely and easily, flooring is an integral part of all healthcare structures.
IFHE
References 1 Bear J. Interiors that reduce patient anxiety, depression. Healthcare Design 2012; Oct 11.
2 Kellert SR, Calabrese EF. The Practice of Biophilic Design (
www.biophilic-design.com).
3 Facts for the media about dementia (
www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/news-and- media/facts-media).
4 Arora VM, Stewart N. Sleep in hospitalized older adults. Sleep Med Clin 2018; 13 (1): 127–35.
5 Rise in hospital noise poses problems for patients and staff. ScienceDaily 2005; Nov 21, (
www.sciencedaily.com).
6 Air pollution at home. (
www.asthmaandlung.org.uk).
7 British Coatings Federation Ltd. VOCs and air quality. (
www.coatings.org.uk).
8 Public Health England. Indoor Air Quality Guidelines for selected Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the UK. (
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk).
9 What’s going on with A&E waiting times? (
www.kingsfund.org.uk).
10 Department of Health. Health Building Note 00-01. General design guidance for healthcare buildings. (
www.england.nhs.uk).
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