ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Crafting spaces that cater for diverse needs
Maria Assirelli director and Mental Health & Social Value lead at Floyd Slaski Architects, and her colleague, Associate, Stefana Gradinariu, say ‘inclusive design’ is about ‘crafting spaces that cater to the diverse needs of all individuals, ensuring they can reach their full potential’. Here they set out the fundamentals in reaching this goal on healthcare projects, discussing a recent project at Ashford Hospital in Middlesex that involved converting a former bariatric ward into a ‘vibrant, neurodiversity-friendly’ outpatient setting for children and young people.
In today’s healthcare landscape, there is growing recognition of the importance of mental health, not just in treatment, but also in the very spaces where care is provided. Hospitals and clinics, previously seen as purely functional spaces, are finally evolving into environments that support both physical healing and mental wellbeing. One of the most effective ways to enhance mental health in these settings is through inclusive design principles.
Inclusive design’s role in healthcare Inclusive design, sometimes referred to as universal design, is centred on the idea that spaces should be usable and enjoyable by all people, regardless of their individual abilities or conditions. In healthcare, this approach is particularly important. Hospitals serve a diverse population of patients, each with unique needs, including physical disabilities, cognitive challenges, and mental health conditions.
The Project team for the Ashford Hospital Children and Young People’s Outpatients Department
l Architect: Floyd Slaski Architects. l Structural engineer: CAM & Co Consulting. l MEP Engineer: ETA Projects. l Quantity surveyor: Dalbergia Group. l Fire engineering: Fagus Fire. l Main contractor: Forest Gate Construction.
Inclusive design is, however, not just about meeting the minimum accessibility standards; it’s about crafting spaces that cater to the diverse needs of all individuals, ensuring they can reach their full potential. This approach is supported by leading experts such as Roger Ulrich,1
a renowned
researcher in healthcare architecture, who emphasises that ‘hospitals should foster environments that reduce patient stress, promote healing, and create a sense of safety’ through thoughtful design. By designing healthcare environments that
prioritise inclusivity, we can reduce stress and anxiety for patients, particularly those with hidden disabilities or sensory processing difficulties.
Overwhelming environments Dr Alan Dilani,2
an expert in ‘salutogenic’
design, has long advocated spaces that actively promote wellbeing rather than just preventing harm. He explains that ‘designing healthcare environments with mental health in mind can reduce patient anxiety and improve recovery outcomes’. For individuals with sensory processing difficulties, such as autism or dementia, the traditional hospital environment can be overwhelming. Bright lights, harsh sounds, and confusing layouts, can lead to increased anxiety and stress, hindering the healing process. Inclusive design addresses these challenges by incorporating features that accommodate a wide range of sensory improvements. Additionally, it fosters a sense of calm and control, reducing the mental strain that often accompanies a hospital visit. Healthcare providers can also benefit
Soft blues, greens, and yellows dominate the space within the Children and Young People’s Outpatients Department at Ashford Hospital, ‘creating an environment that is both calming and engaging for young patients’.
34
from incorporating inclusive design into healthcare settings. Staff members who work in well-designed spaces are less likely to experience workplace stress and fatigue, which can translate into better patient care and improved outcome, in general. Thus, inclusive design in hospitals is not just about making spaces accessible – it’s about enhancing the overall experience for everyone who enters and uses this type of facility.
NOVEMBER 2024 | THE NETWORK
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
