ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Above: Feedback from clinical staff led to changes in layout to improve workflow efficiency.
Right: Flooring, wall finishes, fixtures, and fittings, were selected not only for their durability and ease of cleaning, but also for their acoustic, tactile, and visual properties.
5) User-centred approach in design One of the most important aspects of the Ashford Hospital project was the user- centred design process. From the very beginning, we engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including hospital staff, patients, and their families. Workshops, site visits, Virtual Reality, and continuous feedback sessions allowed users to make a direct contribution to the final design. This collaborative approach ensured
that the space met the needs of its diverse user group. For example, feedback from clinical staff led to changes in layout to improve workflow efficiency, while input from families resulted in the inclusion of more child-friendly features, such as the playful wayfinding system. By involving users throughout the design process, Floyd Slaski was able to create a space that was not only functional, but also deeply responsive to the emotional and psychological needs of its occupants.
Benefits realised post- implementation Since the completion of the Children and Young People’s Outpatients Department at Ashford Hospital, user feedback has been very positive. Parents have observed that the calming environment and playful design elements help their children feel more at ease during hospital visits, while clinical staff have also reported a noticeable reduction in patient anxiety, contributing to smoother and more productive consultations. Cat Cooke, Arts and Design manager
for Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘It has been a pleasure working collaboratively with Maria and her team. They took the time to understand the needs of patients and to engage in wider consultation staff. Their design for the new Paediatrics ward was creative, which also reflected in how they adapted ideas through consultation with staff. This included details within the design to incorporate access, wayfinding, and practicality. The outcome is a space
THE NETWORK | NOVEMBER 2024
that is currently meeting all its needs for both patients and staff. It was a pleasure to work with a professional and creative team.”
Our mission is to create healing
environments that promote comfort, reduce anxiety, and support positive experiences for patients and their families. By blending thoughtful design with therapeutic elements, we strive to transform clinical spaces into welcoming, restorative settings that enhance wellbeing and recovery.
References 1 Ulrich RS. View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery. The Center for Health Design. Science May 1984; 224 (4647):420-1. https://tinyurl. com/3e8fpe6s
Maria Luigi Assirelli
Maria Assirelli MArch, DipArch, ARB, director and Mental Health & Social Value lead at the practice, joined Floyd Slaski Architects in March 2022, bringing her passion for designing healing environments. She leads the firm’s mental health portfolio, and specialises in creating autism-friendly environments, a focus she has developed since 2005. Prior to joining Floyd Slaski, Maria was a Partner at GA Architects, where she collaborated with universities, conducted research, and wrote papers for various groups, including the National Autistic Society. The practice said: “With her positive attitude, deep understanding of team and personal dynamics, and excellent communication skills, Maria is highly effective in stakeholder engagement and design team coordination. She has a strong desire for learning, teaching, and researching new trends, and regularly lectures at conferences.”
Stefana Gradinariu
Stefana Gradinariu, Associate, MArch, DipArch, ARB, joined Floyd Slaski Architects in June 2022, having previously worked in various sectors, mainly on education and cultural schemes. She has quickly developed an interest in healthcare, and particularly in projects in which she can adopt a sense of play and narrative-led design. Stefana has a passion for research and education, and is currently doing a PhD, as well as teaching an interior design course. She enjoys complex briefs that require an interdisciplinary, problem- solving approach, and is highly effective in team coordination and user engagement.
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2 Dilani A. Psychosocially supportive design: A salutogenic approach to the design of the physical environment. Design and Health Scientific Review 2008; 1 (2), 47-55.
3 Augustin S. The Surprising Effect of Color on Your Mind and Mood (Psychology Today. Psychology Today. Online April 11 2015.
https://tinyurl.com/mvwy4mza
4 David Rock’s SCARF model. Mind Tools online.
https://tinyurl.com/38m84d5x
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5 Heerwagen JH. Biophilic Design and the Human Habitat. Biophilic Solutions podcast, 29 March 2022. https://tinyurl. com/ymnt45yn
6 Barrett P, Davies F, Zhang Y, Barrett L. The impact of classroom design on pupils’ learning: Final results of a holistic, multi- level analysis. Building and Environment July 2015; 89: 118-133.
https://tinyurl.com/ mrt8pxzw
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