WAYFINDING FOR A BRIGHTER PATIENT EXPERIENCE
‘ Significant studies have been made over the years with positive evidence highlighting artwork ’ s advantageous role in healing ’
to submit concepts . A committee composed of a local gallery curator , a local artists group , the design team and a center representative made the final selections . In this case , commissions were paid to the artists . The initiative helped establish a strong community connection and spur public fundraising for half of the cancer center ’ s building fund .
Art made from nature ’ s elements such as water , stones and plant life also is effective in relieving stressors and relaxing patients . The calming sounds of running water in a waterfall pool and the viewing of indigenous plant life from the exterior brought indoors can be standout features . When placed at key decision points like intersections , these features help to gently spark people ’ s memory and guide them throughout the space .
The challenges in cost , time commitment and return on investment of a hospital wayfinding plan can be overcome when creative options such as color , lighting and artwork are incorporated . Favorable patient responses to a positive wayfinding experience can impact survey scores and go a long way in helping a hospital to outshine its competition .
Parking and Access As hospitals improve and grow , many , because of a landlocked site , are faced with a lack of parking due to limited room to expand . The result can be a wayfinding nightmare , with the distance between parking and the hospital entry stretching well beyond what is realistic for patients and visitors . Patients find it easy to get lost while navigating to the main building and , on their return , are unable to find their car in a large parking structure or lot . Language barriers , especially in urban areas , can be another challenge in communicating directions .
A new vision of clarity can be reached by updating the existing parking infrastructure . A lighting concept in one hospital parking structure is a sustainable solution
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