FURNITURE DESIGN


adjustable footplates for user safety, while useful options include drop-arms to assist with either bed-to-chair or chair-to-chair user transfer. Innovative easy-read coding systems have also been developed to ensure that appropriate seat heights and weights are applied.


Dementia patients: a special case As more facilities find they have to establish specialist departments to manage patients living with varying degrees of dementia, so specialist furniture is being sought with which to furnish them. Here, simple features make a huge difference: for example, highlighted table edges, and contrasting carcases/doors and seat arms/cushions, all help the visually impaired. Visual access to cupboard and drawer


contents is also vital to preserve a sense of familiarity and encourage ownership. Dipped profiles to drawer fronts allow immediate visual access to the contents, for instance, as do transparent vision panels in wardrobe doors. In some cases vision panels may not be suitable, as certain users can be affected by reflections of themselves or others. Throughout, flexibility is essential, with furniture configurations easily adapted if needs change. Linked to this, Knightsbridge carefully selected its current colour ranges for cabinet goods to observe the Light Reflective Values which are becoming increasingly important to designers and


architects when developing areas which are to accommodate people with occipital lobe damage. Among other things, this can prevent users from perceiving tonal differences, and contribute to visual distortions if patterns are too ‘busy’, so the correct fabric specification is essential.


Don’t overlook ‘style’ Whether furnishing a dementia ward, a maternity department, or a long- stay unit, however, it can be so easy to overlook the importance of style when selecting seating, tables, and other furniture essentials. A smart, elegant, and thoughtfully-presented facility interior will lift the spirits of patients and staff alike, while reassuring family and visitors.


Jason Brown


Jason Brown is director of Design and Development at Knightsbridge Furniture. He has been making, designing, and developing furniture in the contract market for 39 years. He trained traditionally as a cabinet-maker, and then a draughtsman, before moving into research and development and onto the management ladder. He has worked for companies including Dalescraft, Flexiform, and E.S.F. Connection Seating, and is enjoying his eleventh year in his current role with Knightsbridge, although he has a combined service of 26 years with the Bradford-based manufacturer. He received the first ever Master Furniture Makers Certificate from the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers in 2011, and lists this as his most proud career moment.


Thanks to the development of versatile modular furniture systems, even the busiest communal areas can be imbued with a sense of style and innovation, engendering a positive ambience, spreading a ‘feel-good’ atmosphere, and making a valid – and often under- appreciated – contribution to the healing process. Knightsbridge is seeing a sharp rise in the demand for more stylish and less ‘functional’-looking furniture, which does present a challenge when accommodating the issues previously highlighted, but a challenge which our in-house development team is more than happy to rise to. Why not take a look at our portfolio and see how we have been doing?


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Learn more about P+HS Architects and how we work to enhance peoples lives


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THE NETWORK | MAY 2022


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