Video+Poster Gallery
Hosted in the Royal College’s historic Dorchester Library, the Video+Poster Gallery offers delegates the chance to learn about many wonderful research projects and design schemes, enriching the oral presentations taking place across the two days.
Sponsored by
P01
Beyond user-centered: A relationship-centred approach to designing digital care pathways
Allison Matthews
Experience design lead, Mayo Clinic, USA
Allison Matthews is a healthcare design strategy leader with over 13 years of experience driving large-scale transformation initiatives in healthcare delivery. As Experience design lead at Mayo Clinic, she spearheaded the design and transformational strategy for the $5 billion Bold. Forward. Unbound. initiative, leading a team of 70+ in developing service, spatial and conceptual designs that revolutionised care delivery models.
Her work in human-centred design has garnered international recognition, particularly for developing the Ideal CAR-T Patient Experience project, which became a worldwide best practice for patient experience. She established and scaled design practices that successfully bridged the gap between clinical excellence and human experience.
Matthews brings a unique perspective to healthcare innovation, having begun her career in medicine before pursuing architecture and design. She has taught healthcare innovation at Mayo Medical School and the Harvard Macy Institute, focusing on the intersection of human-centred design and healthcare delivery. Her research and practice concentrate on relationship-centred design approaches that strengthen the complex web of connections underlying effective healthcare delivery.
Beyond user-centered: A relationship-centred approach to designing digital care pathways
Abstract Copy
Traditional user-centred design in healthcare typically optimises experiences for primary users – patients or providers – potentially oversimplifying the complex reality of healthcare delivery. This presentation introduces relationship-centred design as a framework for developing digital care pathways that better reflect healthcare's interconnected nature.Healthcare challenges rarely have single-user solutions. Even seemingly straightforward interactions, like scheduling an appointment, involve multiple interconnected relationships: referral co-ordinators working with specialty clinics, primary care teams sharing critical information and family members co-ordinating care logistics. Each relationship carries its own context, constraints and opportunities that traditional user-centred design might overlook.
Through practical examples, this presentation demonstrates how relationship mapping reveals crucial insights about:
- information flow through formal and informal channels;
- trust-building moments in digital interactions;
- natural rhythms of team collaboration;
- critical transition points in care delivery;
- family and support network engagement.
The framework presents four key principles for implementation:
1. Map the ecosystem: understanding how relationships flow through the healthcare environment;
2. Design for connection points: focusing on moments where relationships form, deepen or face challenges;
3. Enable rather than replace: using technology to strengthen human connections, not substitute for them;
4. Honour existing relationships: building upon established trust and communication patterns.
These insights offer valuable guidance for organisations developing digital healthcare solutions that enhance rather than disrupt the delicate web of relationships underlying effective care delivery.
Learning Objectives
- Differentiate between traditional user-centred design and relationship-centred design approaches in healthcare, identifying specific instances where focusing on relationships reveals opportunities that individual user journeys might miss
- Apply a systematic methodology for mapping healthcare relationship ecosystems, including techniques for identifying informal networks, critical hand-off points and trust-building moments that need to be supported in digital solutions
- Evaluate digital healthcare solutions through a relationship-centred lens, assessing whether they strengthen or potentially disrupt existing care relationships and implementing strategies to preserve crucial human connections while improving efficiency
P02
Nature-inspired neuroarchitecture for trauma and mental health recovery
Koncha Pinos
CEO, The Wellbeing Planet, United Arab Emirates
Dr. Koncha Pinos is the Co-director of The Wellbeing Planet, a global organisation active in 48 countries, dedicated to advancing health, education and sustainability to enhance wellbeing. A renowned speaker and educator, Dr. Pinos is a pioneer in neuroarchitecture and neuroaesthetics, developing nature-based solutions in contexts of trauma and recovery. Her approach merges wellbeing science with the transformative power of art and nature, using therapeutic gardens, forests and purposefully designed environments to foster healing.
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Pinos has led groundbreaking programmes exploring how natural and artistic environments – inspired by figures such as Gaudí and Picasso – can strengthen resilience and neuroplasticity in individuals and communities affected by trauma. Her work also focuses on creating healing ecosystems that integrate sustainability and humanistic design, revitalising both mind and body.
Recipient of the Luxembourg Peace Prize and UNESCO recognition, Dr. Pinos is a leading voice at the intersection of neuroscience, design and global wellbeing. Her ongoing research delves into how adaptive environments can reduce stress and transform the experience of wellness in healthcare systems and communities worldwide.
Nature-inspired neuroarchitecture for trauma and mental health recovery
Abstract Copy
In the field of mental health and trauma recovery, nature-inspired neuroarchitecture is emerging as a groundbreaking approach that bridges the gap between clinical treatment and holistic wellbeing. This paper presents The Wellbeing Planet’s global efforts across 48 countries, leveraging neuroarchitectural principles and nature-based solutions to support mental health and trauma recovery in diverse environments – from urban hospitals to remote community centres. Through therapeutic gardens, immersive forest settings and artfully designed healing spaces, these ecosystems promote resilience, cognitive restoration and emotional stability for individuals and communities affected by trauma.The neuroarchitectural framework presented is informed by art and design principles from figures like Gaudí and Picasso, whose work inspires spaces that are both functional and transformative. This model centres on creating environments that stimulate neuroplasticity, support autonomic regulation and enhance emotional wellbeing through exposure to natural elements, light, colour and organic forms. Key components of these therapeutic ecosystems – such as plant diversity, sensory gardens and reflective spaces – are designed to engage patients in multi-sensory experiences that have been shown to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. By creating conditions that foster connection to nature and self, these spaces enable patients to regain a sense of safety, autonomy and agency in their recovery journey.
The Wellbeing Planet’s approach is unique in its adaptability, ensuring that therapeutic ecosystems are culturally responsive and contextually relevant. This adaptability allows for localised healing practices, facilitating mental health recovery that respects and integrates local traditions and community values. Examples from projects in Latin America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in fostering community resilience and long-term mental health outcomes. Furthermore, these nature-based interventions promote sustainability, aligning with circular economy principles and reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare infrastructure.
Outcomes from these projects reveal significant improvements in mental health metrics, with patients reporting reduced stress, improved mood and enhanced social connectedness. Quantitative data, including reductions in cortisol levels and improvements in heart rate variability, underscore the physiological benefits of these therapeutic environments. As mental health needs grow globally, integrating nature-based neuroarchitecture into healthcare systems offers a scalable and sustainable solution to trauma recovery. This presentation will discuss the science, design and cultural adaptations of this model, illustrating its potential to transform mental health care through restorative, human-centred spaces that prioritise healing, resilience and ecological sustainability.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the principles of nature-inspired neuroarchitecture and its application in trauma and mental health recovery
- Identify evidence-based strategies to design culturally adaptive therapeutic environments for diverse global communities
- Evaluate the physiological and psychological impacts of nature-based therapeutic interventions on mental health outcomes
P03
Blue Hospital integrated design
Lorena Montenegro
Sustainability and wellbeing consultant, Deerns Nederland, The Netherlands
Lorena Montenegro has had experience implementing sustainability and wellbeing certifications such as LEED, BREEAM and WELL in Colombia and the Netherlands since 2013. Since 2019, she has been working with Deerns in the Netherlands as a consultant in the energy and sustainability team, as well as setting up the wellbeing team experts. Climate change is a reality and the healthcare sector has a significant impact, so it needs to adapt to the current goals of the Paris Agreement. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has shown the importance of designing healthy and recovering spaces for hospital members who are on the front line of this emergency. Lorena has an architectural and engineering background that allows her to understand both challenges and advise any project client on the design and implementation of sustainable and healthy buildings. She also played a major role in the development of the Blue Hospital Approach.
Savina Taouki
Smart building specialist, Deerns Nederland, The Netherlands
Savina Taouki is a design and technical engineer and works in the Smart Building team in Deerns Nederland. She started working in January 2022, with previous experience in the construction industry as an architect and building technologist. She received her MSc in Building Technology from TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) and an earlier MSc in Architecture from N.T.U.A (National Technical University of Athens). She is currently working on various projects, both in terms of market segment (real estate, hospitals, data centres and non-residential construction) and in terms of location (international). She also played a major role in the development of the Blue Hospital Approach.
Eduard Boonstra
Sector director healthcare, Deerns Nederland, The Netherlands
Eduard Boonstra has broad experience in design, project management and strategic advice in healthcare. The focus is on delivering added value for the customer, understanding the different needs of customers and stakeholders and seeking the connection between project partners. In the role of project director, he has a strong motivation to realise successful projects for both the customer and involved partners, bringing attention to new innovative ideas and insights. In addition to his project work as a strategic advisor, he works as Sector director international within the Deerns Group and is involved in innovations in the field of sustainability and smart hospital building. He also played a major role in the development of the Blue Hospital Approach.
Blue Hospital integrated design
Abstract Copy
The Blue Hospital approach is a framework that moves beyond traditional green or smart hospital concepts, focusing on patient-centric care through the integration of technology and sustainability in an integrated design approach. This approach focuses on six key principles: patient centricity, employee wellbeing, health outcomes, cost efficiency, sustainability and smart hospital innovation. Like a Rubik's cube, each component interrelates with the others – for instance, smart technologies can drive energy efficiency, thus reducing environmental impact while lowering operational costs.Initially guided by the Quadruple Aim framework – patient centricity, improved health outcomes, reduced costs and staff wellbeing – we integrated sustainability and digital transformation based on their rising importance. By addressing these principles from the earliest design stages, we help prevent budget constraints and infrastructure limitations that can arise when such considerations are delayed.
Technology and digital transformation are central to the Blue Hospital approach. The whole system-level adoption of digital health technologies, artificial intelligence, personalised medicine and smart innovations enables more efficient and effective healthcare. For example, smart hospital systems, like automated processes and data-driven resource management, enhance operational efficiency, reduce errors and minimise energy consumption. These technologies also contribute to a smoother patient experience and more efficient staff workflows.
The Blue Hospital framework strongly emphasises climate-smart healthcare by integrating circular economy principles and net-zero carbon strategies into its services, infrastructure and workforce management. Hospitals adopting this approach apply sustainable practices like renewable energy, efficient water use and waste reduction, aligning healthcare delivery with environmental sustainability goals while being resilient. These efforts not only reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint but also lower operational costs through energy savings and resource optimisation.
This framework also addresses the complex interdependencies within hospital design, highlighting how sustainability efforts can lead to cost savings and improved wellbeing. By engaging stakeholders in collaborative processes like interactive workshops, hospitals can align design strategies with user needs and priorities.
The main strength of the Blue Hospital approach is ensuring a holistic, integrated design, aiming for optimal outcomes across all six principles. The main challenge lies in fostering collaboration across disciplines to equally address all principles. As the next step, we aim to develop a structured tool and a unified package of Blue Hospital requirements, adaptable for each hospital’s specific needs.
In summary, the Blue Hospital approach offers a forward-thinking, adaptable framework for designing future-ready hospitals equipped to meet both current and future challenges efficiently and sustainably.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the urgency of a holistic approach
- Recognise the interdependency of the six principles
- Comprehend the importance of sustainability, smart innovation and wellbeing as core values in healthcare design
P04
Towards a sustainable healthcare architecture: Providing a healthy, healing environment for better health outcomes for cancer patients
Bedia Tekbiyik Tekin
Doctor instructor, Cyprus International University, Cyprus
Bedia Tekbiyik Tekin is an experienced Doctor instructor in Cyprus International University's Faculty of Art and Architecture, with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry since 2010. She has an MA in Interior Design from the University for the Creative Arts in the UK. She completed her PhD in February 2024 at Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus. She is one of the few people who specialises in healthcare architecture in Cyprus and has acted as a voluntary consultant for the Ministry of Health in Cyprus and involved in the development of hospital projects in Cyprus. She has also attended world congresses and conferences on hospital design. She is a former member of Cyprus Chamber of Architects and INTBAU Cyprus Chapter.
Özgür Dinçyürek
Professor, Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus
Prof. Dr. Özgür Dinçyürek was born in Famagusta in 1974. He is currently a Full Professor of Architecture at Eastern Mediterranean University. He has an MS in Architecture and a Ph.D. in Architectural Design History and Theory. His specific areas of expertise are architectural design, environmental design, sustainability and vernacular architecture studies. He has given lectures related to the interplay between human beings and environment for more than 15 years. He has publications in vernacular architecture and sustainability studies at both national and international levels. Besides his academic works, he has been awarded a Fulbright Short-Term Training Scholarship (1999), Fulbright Visiting Scholarship (2008), and European Commission Scholarship for the Turkish Cypriot Programme (2009). He is the founding chair of the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism (INTBAU) Cyprus Chapter. He is also a voting member of INTBAU College of Chapters.
Towards a sustainable healthcare architecture: Providing a healthy, healing environment for better health outcomes for cancer patients
Abstract Copy
The number of patients throughout the world with cancer is increasing, and a good psychological foundation is necessary in order to be able to cope with it. This study aims to explore the theoretical background of a healing environment, together with evidence-based design and patient-focused care, and apply the design quality indicators to measure hospital quality. However, the design of a hospital facility is difficult to form, as it consists of a range of complex structures.For this study, an analytical approach was used within existing public and private cancer hospitals in the capital of North Cyprus, in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the hospitals and their impact on the health and wellbeing of cancer patients. An accredited design indicator toolkit was used for cancer patients, relatives and staff.
The results showed a distinction between public and private hospitals, which will be illustrated in separate bar charts. In addition, a future suggestion guide has been proposed to enable better and sustainable design of cancer hospitals worldwide.
Learning Objectives
- Healthcare architecture
- Sustainable design
- Healthcare quality
P05
What matters, not what is the matter: A novel approach to empathising and understanding the third space of the healthcare waiting room
Sarah Green
Senior lecturer communications and media, advertising, University of the Arts London, UK
Sarah Green teaches advertising at University of the Arts London (UAL). As Outstanding Lecturer of the Year 2024 and with over ten years of experience as a senior lecturer in digital marketing at University of Winchester, she teaches and mentors BA and MSc students in the principles and practices of creative marketing, design thinking, brand strategy, advertising and digital marketing. She is passionate about inspiring rich user experiences and teamwork within creative learning spaces, user-centred projects, and design-led initiatives. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a HubSpot Content Marketing and Google agile certified professional and trained designer.
Sarah conducts empirical research on the design of spaces for human value, bringing together conversations around design thinking and wellbeing. She also collaborates with various external parties, such as SMEs, educators and freelancers, to create new opportunities and solutions for clients and students. She has facilitated many workshops as an expert speaker as part of the Help to Grow programme, sharing her insights and skills on user-centred design, service design, branding, empathy, place cultures, user stories and customer journeys. She is a commercially adept and energetic team member with unique creative skills and a vision to drive change and innovation.
What matters, not what is the matter: A novel approach to empathising and understanding the third space of the healthcare waiting room
Abstract Copy
This study applied a design-based lens to healthcare to unveil the many subtleties of the impact of physical spaces on patients' lived experiences, furthering debate on this important topic. The NHS in the UK operates under complex pressures, including budgetary, resourcing, global pandemics and an ever-ageing population. There is a need to ensure new health-setting developments meet the stated goals of world-class facilities and well-designed spaces to speed up recovery and enable appropriate treatments – which the NHS terms as prioritising "what matters, not what is the matter" (NHS, 2019).Outside of pockets of innovation, however, a sizeable legacy remains of outdated facilities that continue to impact a significant number of patients. Notwithstanding the intentions of the architects and service designers in the original planning of health centres, the micro-level facets of the patient experience still need to be fully understood, since there lacks an emphasis on listening to the voice of the patient.
Through a deeply empathetic ‘design thinking’ approach, this research identified the multiplicity of barriers and enablers of person-centred care within the waiting spaces of a hospital in Hampshire, UK. Following a comprehensive review of literature across health, design and spatial contexts, an initial conceptual research framework was developed that included consideration of dimensions such as lighting, colour, sound and other perceptual factors such as privacy. This was considered initially via a pilot study for feasibility, before a main study was conducted through a novel two-stage exploratory design. This incorporated immersive ethnographic observation by the researcher in a real NHS setting to portray situated happenings, followed by a series of in-depth semi-structured case interviews, providing rich personal narratives and insights from the patients’ perspectives.
The results indicated a wide range of important patient considerations: while the physical characteristics (sound, décor, wayfinding) contributed, it was revealed that "what mattered" included a sense of choice, agency and dignity, and this clearly impacted wellbeing. As a result, a revised innovative theoretical framework was proposed that identified more fully the barriers and enablers of positive patient experiences within health spaces. This included theoretical underpinnings concerning hybrid identities, cultural interaction and negotiation, as well as the viewpoint that meaning is created through social interactions, using symbols such as language and gestures.
For professionals, a guide for practice emerged from this research: ‘The Health Space Design Playbook’, a discussion checklist for including multiple patient-centred considerations within potential future design/renovation projects.
Learning Objectives
- To show how design thinking and spatial theory can provide new insights into patient experiences
- To understand the importance of prioritising patients' feelings and emotions about spaces
- To convey the broad range of considerations when (re)designing spaces for patients
P06
The role of novel preoccupancy evaluation techniques in the design of senior-friendly emergency departments
Anna Nowacki
Physician, University Health Network, Canada
Dr. Anna Nowacki is an emergency physician at the University Health Network in Toronto and an Assistant professor at the University of Toronto. Her prior academic work focused on emergency medicine in the context of global health, postgraduate medical education and gender equity in medicine. While completing a Master’s in Design for Health at OCAD University, her academic interests shifted towards design for health, and she has worked on projects pertaining to service and systems design, as well as spatial design. She has been involved in several QI and service design projects such as resuscitation tower design, LEAN and rapid improvement events, and has been collaborating on the design of a seniors' emergency care centre. She has also collaborated with external healthcare partners in health design projects pertaining to her Master’s courses, including research on health policy design, systems and services design as well as safe consumption site design.
The role of novel preoccupancy evaluation techniques in the design of senior-friendly emergency departments
Abstract Copy
As the ageing population increasingly utilises emergency departments (EDs), tailored design features are essential to meet their unique needs. However, the evolution of ED design reflects a fragmented approach to addressing diverse patient needs. Although guidelines for senior-friendly EDs exist, there is a lack of research on pre- and post-occupancy evaluation (PPOE) effectiveness in this context.This literature review examines the role of PPOE in the design of geriatric-friendly EDs. Search phrases including 'pre-occupancy evaluation', 'post occupancy evaluation', 'geriatric emergency department design' and 'emergency department design' were used to identify articles of interest using Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Jstor and snowballing. The articles and books of interest were scanned for relevance to the topic of interest and maintained using Zotero.
The review highlights existing senior-friendly ED guidelines and explores methodologies for PPOE. It highlights the importance of using tools like surveys and simulation methods to enhance design decisions in healthcare settings, and underscores the necessity of holistic evaluations, incorporating quantitative and qualitative measures of success and focusing on outcomes like patient satisfaction, safety and overall wellbeing, including quality-of-life assessments for older adults.
Novel technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality are being increasingly utilised in PPOE and require further exploration in the context of the needs of this patient population. The review highlights the need for targeted research to develop specific PPOE tools for geriatric EDs and explores the use of new technologies to facilitate more effective evaluations.
Learning Objectives
- To review benefits of pre-occupancy evaluation as a form of co-design of senior-friendly spaces
- To explore the use of novel technologies, such as virtual reality, to enhance pre-occupancy evaluations
- To highlight existing knowledge and expose knowledge gaps in pre-occupancy evaluation methods and the engagement of special populations
P07
The ED physician lounge revamp project: Designing for burnout
Anna Nowacki
Physician, University Health Network, Canada
Dr. Anna Nowacki is an emergency physician at the University Health Network in Toronto and an Assistant professor at the University of Toronto. Her prior academic work focused on emergency medicine in the context of global health, postgraduate medical education and gender equity in medicine. While completing a Master’s in Design for Health at OCAD University, her academic interests shifted towards design for health, and she has worked on projects pertaining to service and systems design, as well as spatial design. She has been involved in several QI and service design projects such as resuscitation tower design, LEAN and rapid improvement events, and has been collaborating on the design of a seniors' emergency care centre. She has also collaborated with external healthcare partners in health design projects pertaining to her Master’s courses, including research on health policy design, systems and services design as well as safe consumption site design.
The ED physician lounge revamp project: Designing for burnout
Abstract Copy
Physician lounges have historically provided essential respite and fostered professional connections. But in recent years, these spaces have dwindled due to financial constraints and evolving healthcare demands. This decline has coincided with rising physician burnout rates, exacerbated by increased work pressures and diminished opportunities for social interaction. This project aims to explore how redesigning emergency department (ED) physician lounges can enhance physician wellness and mitigate burnout while promoting retention, using evidence-based design principles.The deteriorating conditions of ED lounges reflect organisational neglect, impacting staff morale and mental health. The lack of space and amenities further compounds stress levels, hindering effective rest and recovery for healthcare providers amidst the demanding ED environment.
This project seeks to address how redesigning ED physician lounges can improve wellness and reduce burnout among healthcare providers. By focusing on evidence-based design principles, the study aims to propose solutions that optimise functionality, comfort and aesthetic appeal, thereby supporting staff wellbeing and enhancing retention rates.
A scoping review highlighted the significant impact of burnout on healthcare professionals, particularly in high-stress environments like EDs. Evidence suggests that well-designed rest spaces can mitigate burnout by providing necessary respite and fostering a sense of community among medical staff. Recommendations include designing lounges that facilitate collaboration, integrate wellness-promoting features and ensure comfort through thoughtful layout and amenities. These principles aim to create environments that not only alleviate stress but also enhance the quality of patient care by supporting the mental health of healthcare providers.
Designing within a publicly-funded healthcare system presents challenges such as budget constraints, space limitations and strict regulatory requirements. These factors necessitate practical and cost-effective design choices while ensuring compliance with safety and infection control standards.
Revitalising ED physician lounges through evidence-based design offers a strategic opportunity to improve physician wellness, mitigate burnout and enhance overall healthcare delivery. By prioritising staff wellbeing and fostering a supportive environment, healthcare institutions can promote a culture of resilience and excellence among their medical professionals. Collaboration with healthcare providers and stakeholders is essential for successful implementation and sustainability of these initiatives.
Learning Objectives
- To review the principles of physician lounge design
- To explore the role of physician lounges and lounge design features that help mitigate burnout
- To design an engaging co-design pathway for ED physician lounges
P08
Designing (mental) health and wellbeing: Student-driven exploration and interventions for healthier campus spaces
Gesine Marquardt
Professor of social and health care buildings and design, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Germany
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gesine Marquardt is an architect and Professor of Social and Healthcare Buildings at the Faculty of Architecture, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Germany, a position she has held since 2015. She has served as the liaison officer for students with disabilities at TU Dresden since 2019 and became Dean of the Faculty of Architecture in 2022. Previously, she led the independent Emmy Noether Junior Research Group funded by the German Research Foundation from 2012 to 2017, following postdoctoral research at the Johns Hopkins medical institutions in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Her academic and design work focuses on developing innovative architectural solutions for the healthcare sector, specifically addressing the challenges of an ageing society.
Rana Abdelkader
Doctoral candidate, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Germany
Rana Abdelkader, M.Sc., is an architect and urban designer. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in architecture at the Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS), a joint programme between TUD Dresden University of Technology and Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, since 2023. From 2018 to 2023, Rana held teaching positions at GUC Cairo, GIU Berlin and Coventry University’s Egypt branch. In late 2024, she worked as research assistant at the Chair of Social and Healthcare Buildings and Design, TU Dresden. Her research focuses on transforming university campuses into health-promoting catalysts through design strategies, using them as experimental settings to cultivate healthier environments and promote healthy sustainable urban development.
Designing (mental) health and wellbeing: Student-driven exploration and interventions for healthier campus spaces
Abstract Copy
Urban health challenges have increased reliance on healthcare systems, exposing capacity limitations and operational strains. This highlights the need to shift from solely treating illnesses to designing environments that actively promote health and wellbeing. University campuses exemplify such environments where the design of physical spaces significantly influences health outcomes, including students' mental wellbeing.In recent years, student mental health has deteriorated, with the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbating existing issues. Despite the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions, improvements in student mental health have not met expectations. As students spend significant time on campus, it is essential to explore how the design of campus spaces can contribute to mental health improvement.
Adopting a co-creation concept, this study investigates the potential of campus design to support student wellbeing through the perspective of architecture students at TU Dresden, Germany. Students were asked to systematically analyse their campus environment, with the purpose of engaging them in an active exploration of their campus environment, identifying both positive and negative design elements affecting their wellbeing, and initiating discussions about potential interventions for improvement. This study is grounded in the understanding that university campuses are not just places of learning but are integral environments where students' holistic health is shaped and could act as health-promoting catalysts.
The results highlight specific areas and spatial elements of campus that contribute to mental strain, as well as those that foster relaxation and emotional recovery. Building on these insights, students were also asked to ideate design interventions aimed at enhancing mental health on campus. The insights drawn from the data analysis of the workshop provided a comprehensive framework of the students’ spatial and/or non-spatial needs that are to be fulfilled through design strategies to promote their health and wellbeing, particularly their mental health.
Proposed solutions highlighted the importance of providing differentiated spaces for informal studying on campus (both for group work and individual study). Special emphasis was placed on the fostering of social interaction and making connections with others. At the same time, the wish for restorative and secluded spaces became apparent and was expressed in designs and suggestions that emphasised various aspects, such as soundscapes.
This work underscores the importance of integrating health-promoting design into everyday spaces, especially as it pertains to mental health. The findings provide useful insights for architects, healthcare providers and policy makers working towards environments that foster mental and emotional resilience.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the impact of university campus design on student (mental) health and wellbeing
- Identify key design elements for health-promoting spaces within campus environments
- Explore how to apply co-creation methods in health-focused design efforts
P09
Hospital of the future – now
Joseph Tigani
National manager, health, Schiavello International, Australia
Joseph Tigani has over 20 years’ experience with the Schiavello Group, including the past 15 in the health and federal government portfolios. With a broad background in engineering, physical and built environmental systems, and ITC, Joseph brings to the Group over 40 years’ experience in project management, technical consulting and sales, and key account management. His exposure to continuous-operations industries has instilled in him an engaging, collaborative approach and strong appreciation for time-critical project delivery and post-sales support.
In his current role, Joseph is responsible for Schiavello’s wellness portfolio covering the health, aged care and life sciences sectors. Further, he has been extensively involved with the Commonwealth Indigenous Procurement Policy since its legislation in 2015/16 and has been instrumental in the establishment of Schiavello’s Indigenous programme and as Director client engagement of Bunin. He is chartered with ensuring the highest level service and support for Schiavello’s health sector clients, including social procurement obligations, and engaging and collaborating across the whole Schiavello Group and strategic partners to ensure optimum solutions are developed and delivered to these essential services clients.
Project experience
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre ('Peter Mac' Australia's largest dedicated cancer centre)
New Footscray Hospital ($1.5bn: WIP)
Craigieburn Regional Community Hospital (completed 2024)
Murdoch Children’s Medical Research Institute
Western Health Sunshine Hospital – various (including mental health wards)
Victorian Heart Hospital
Eastern Health – Mental Health Forest Hill
Eastern Health – Mental Health Ringwood
Eastern Health – Queen Elizabeth II Hospital
Northern Hospital – Mental Health
Northern Hospital – Expansion Stage 2 (WIP)
Northern Hospital – Mental Health
Saint Vincent's Private Maternity Hospital Tower-2 – Stage 1 ( completed 2024)
Saint Vincent's Private Maternity Hospital Tower-2 – Stage 2 (WIP)
Frankston Hospital Expansion – Stage 1 Mental Health
Frankston Hospital Expansion – Stage 2 WIP
New Melton Hospital including. New Women's and Children's Unit (early stages)
Barwon Health – New Women's and Children's Hospital (early stages)
Monash Health Translational Health Precinct
Monash Health Children’s Hospital
Monash Health Pakenham Regional Hospital (WIP)
Melbourne Brain Centre
Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre
Ballarat Base Hospital Stage 1
Ballarat Base Hospital Stage 3 (WIP)
Peter Doherty Medical Research
Australian Institute for Infectious Diseases ('Peter Doherty II' WIP)
Federal Government Projects
IBA – HQ and National Branch Offices Australia-wide
Australian Taxation Office – capital project Australia-wide
Services Australia (DHS) – capital projects Australia-wide
Home Affairs – capital projects nationally
Defence – various capital projects nationally
DIIS – Smart Storage Systems and various national projects
ABS – various capital projects nationally
Other Engineering Projects
West Gate Tunnel – control room and facilities (completed 2024)
Woodside LNG Gas Trains 1, 2 & 3
Woodside LNG Goodwyn ‘A’ Platform
BCLV (Brown Coal Liquefaction Victoria)
Esso Bass Straight – various platform projects
Kimberly Clarke Process Waste Water Treatment
Sinopec China – oil field water treatment
Petro China – waste water treatment
ZTE China – Industrial Process Waste Water
INEOS (Scotland) – Renewable Energies
Qualifications
B.Eng (Mech.Tech)
Grad Cert (Innovation and Environment)
Cisco CCNA
Exec. Cert. Healthcare Facilities Planning and Design (Cornell)
Member of Engineers Australia
Member of Hospital Engineering Australia
Hospital of the future – now
Abstract Copy
This paper examines the precarious state of healthcare networks, particularly in relation to budgetary constraints, staffing challenges, capital expenditure/operating expenses, sustainability (environmental and human) and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) (which in itself can deliver either much waste or significant savings). It is not intended to be an exhaustive study of all matters technical and commercial, but rather a precursor for further conversation and detailed case for a global ‘living hospital’ research institute (LHRI) as a model for future hospitals and healthcare delivery systems.Anecdotally, the current state of health systems throughout the world is quite dire. In Melbourne, for instance, there have been significant budget cuts, which have led to wards being shut, staff numbers reducing, extreme pressure on the delivery of patient health services, and unbearable physical and psychological stress being placed on all healthcare staff. The situation is compounded by a growing ageing population, as well as growing elective surgery waiting lists, intolerable emergency department waiting times, vulnerability to sudden viral outbreaks and a trend to opting out of private health cover.
There appears to be no change in mindset in our approach to addressing the forementioned challenges. Several papers have been released stressing the need for a 'rethink on the architecture of hospitals'. For example, the following are extracts of key recommendations from a paper released by the WHO European Office in 2023:
• designing for flexibility and resilience;
• universal design;
• sustainability in terms of the social, economic and ecological environment of hospitals;
• assessment of post-occupancy evaluations (POEs), for measuring the quality and effectiveness of interventions;
• healthy work environment.
The LHRI would incorporate:
- a design which can readily reconfigure operative spaces for specific priorities as determined by the healthcare network;
- a focus on ambience to enhance patients' in-hospital experience and recovery period, utilising principles of evidence-based design;
- a healthcare ecosystem providing a healthy work-life balance;
- more efficient transport of patients, incorporating AI and electric vehicle technologies;
- hospital-between-the-home;
- fee-for-service options, especially for extended wait times in emergency departments, with consideration for those in need;
- continuous use of POEs to determine the effectiveness of administered treatment and protocols;
- the economic benefits of a fully integrated healthcare ecosystem;
- continuous data collection to facilitate evidence-based decision making (EBDM);
- the sharing of gathered data and knowledge with public healthcare networks across the globe.
It is hoped this presentation will foster international interest in establishing an LHRI which may potentially evolve into a Global Health Centre of Excellence.
Learning Objectives
- Design, QA/QC, AI and electric vehicle impact on sustainable and resilient hospitals
- Practical approach and understanding of a healthcare ecosystem
- Hospital of the future facilitating new health delivery models
P10
Prioritising care in the community and changing the face of healthcare training
Gareth Banks
Regional director, AHR, UK
Head of healthcare and Regional director at AHR, Gareth Banks is an experienced architect having designed and delivered a number of interesting, technically complex healthcare buildings, including the large, state-of-the-art hospital in Abu Dhabi, the Cleveland Clinic. As head of healthcare, he is dedicated to delivering spaces and environments that are supportive of the health and wellbeing of patients and staff alike.
He is passionate about integrating healthcare into our communities, with health and wellbeing design at the forefront and how this can deliver economic, social and health benefits for all. Keen to share his knowledge and expertise within the sector, Gareth also sits on the executive committee for Architects for Health.
Prioritising care in the community and changing the face of healthcare training
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In 2024, Lord Darzi published his report on the state of the NHS. It stated: "The health of the nation has deteriorated" and "How long people wait, and the quality of treatment, are at the heart. The NHS has not met [its] most important promises."The report identified themes to improve the nation’s health and reform social care, including:
• community services and mental health must be adaptable;
• primary, community and mental health services should be brought together under new multidisciplinary models of care;
• there is enormous potential in life sciences to transform care and healthcare training.
This paper will demonstrate, through two case exemplars, how integrated community and primary care centres and the next generation of healthcare professionals are vital, in different ways, to improving the nation’s wellbeing, fostering healthy communities and implementing Lord Darzi’s vision. It will show the way integrated community and primary care centres and the evolution of healthcare training can support population health.
The Greenwood Centre for Independent Living is the first of its kind – a dedicated community-led building for adults with mental and physical health difficulties and their carers. It is used by local authorities as a model for how centres can evolve to meet community needs and adapt to the changing way social care services are delivered. The centre, run by disabled people, for disabled people, demonstrates how such spaces can alleviate pressure on acute healthcare and enable critically ill patients to receive efficient treatment.
The new Clinic Building for the School of Health and Society at the University of Salford is part of the university’s commitment to reduce health and social inequalities and help address the NHS’s workforce challenges. It expands the school’s role in the social prescription network – increasing the provision of community clinics, supporting skills-based learning and addressing the number of placements available in local NHS trusts.
The Greenwood Centre is a flagship project demonstrating how other centres can bring services together, removing stigma and breaking down healthcare barriers. The design of the Clinic Building rethinks the multidisciplinary nature of community health, developing an innovative approach to blend several specialists together to meet demands of future healthcare.
These two case exemplars show how buildings can be innovatively designed to address the issues identified in Lord Darzi’s report – creating spaces that deliver multidisciplinary services, prioritise care in the community and change the face of healthcare training.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate the significant role of integrated community and primary care centres to improve the nation's health
- The impact of the next generation of healthcare professionals in fostering healthy communities
- How care in the community and healthcare training can realise Lord Darzi's vision
P11
Breaking new ground in the clinical services through world-leading campuses
Gareth Banks
Regional director, AHR, UK
Head of healthcare and Regional director at AHR, Gareth Banks is an experienced architect having designed and delivered a number of interesting, technically complex healthcare buildings, including the large, state-of-the-art hospital in Abu Dhabi, the Cleveland Clinic. As head of healthcare, he is dedicated to delivering spaces and environments that are supportive of the health and wellbeing of patients and staff alike.
He is passionate about integrating healthcare into our communities, with health and wellbeing design at the forefront and how this can deliver economic, social and health benefits for all. Keen to share his knowledge and expertise within the sector, Gareth also sits on the executive committee for Architects for Health.
Breaking new ground in the clinical services through world-leading campuses
Abstract Copy
The requirements of clinical environments are constantly evolving. There is a recognised shift towards adaptive, humanistic environments and life sciences – providing much-needed diagnostic facilities, local investment and supporting the community. Universities are paving the way with an outstanding track record for pioneering research, changing the face of healthcare training – taking a leading role in enhancing the NHS and social care workforce.World-leading campuses and university buildings are vital to the future of clinical services. The paper will demonstrate how these new building designs are breaking new ground in the design and delivery of clinical services.
The National Health Innovation Campus at the University of Huddersfield will qualify as the only ‘WELL at scale’ site in the UK – with two buildings built to WELL Platinum: the Daphne Steele and Emily Siddon buildings. The campus sits in an area with the third lowest life expectancy in the UK. It will co-locate services and facilities, expanding nursing, midwifery, allied health professions, leadership and human sciences.
Supporting the NHS Long Term Work Force Plan, the Emily Siddon Building is a joint venture with Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust with a world-leading Community Diagnostic Centre. The design delivers a clear message about the role health and wellbeing need to play in clinical services and accessible facilities in new settings, including:
o the concept of wellbeing in body and mind is intrinsic;
o taking inspiration from biophilic design principles, there is a direct connection to external spaces on every floor;
o low VOCs / all electric / planting / 100 per cent outdoor air supply;
o healthy food and access to drinking water throughout.
The new Clinic Building, at the University of Salford's School of Health and Society, is part of the university’s commitment to addressing health and social inequalities – prioritising reduced waiting times and increased accessibility.
Targeting BREEAM Excellent and WELL Gold, AHR’s approach considers trauma-informed design, biophilic design principles and neurodiversity – addressing physical, psychological and emotional influences with spaces that inspire, rejuvenate and connect to nature.
World-leading campuses offer a unique opportunity to provide accessible healthcare and education, encouraging economic growth and delivering a major boost to regeneration, as well as offering on-site clinical services, research partnerships and therapeutic sessions, fostering collaboration and innovation.
In addition, the use of WELL principles makes a tangible difference to community wellbeing and raises awareness and expectations in the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Learning Objectives
- World-leading campuses and university buildings are vital to the future of clinical services
- How university building designs are breaking new ground in the design and delivery of clinical services
- The shift towards adaptive, humanistic environments to support the delivery of clinical services
P12
Digital innovation in wayfinding systems: A step toward patient-centred healthcare design
Sahar Ahmadpour
Healthcare design coordinator, HGA, USA
Sahar Ahmadpour is a dedicated design co-ordinator specialising in healthcare design, with over eight years of experience in architecture and evidence-based healthcare design. Passionate about integrating research with practice, Sahar creates innovative, patient-centred environments that improve outcomes and operational efficiency.
Sahar’s research focuses on understudied aspects of healthcare environments, including trauma centres and emergency departments, with an emphasis on efficiency, workflow and innovation. By incorporating advanced technologies to enhance patient outcomes and experiences throughout their health journeys, Sahar has developed strategies that redefine healthcare spaces. Her contributions include design research and the development of healthcare design guidelines informed by rigorous evidence-based studies.
With a Master of Healthcare Design from Kent State University, a Master of Science in Human-Centered Interaction Design from Harrisburg University and EDAC certification, Sahar combines academic excellence with practical expertise. She has significantly contributed to the body of knowledge in healthcare design through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at international conferences, advancing innovative approaches to healthcare environments.
Currently, at HGA Architects and Engineers, Sahar collaborates with healthcare stakeholders to translate operational models into architectural and medical plans that align with client needs and regulatory standards. From data collection and conceptual design to execution, she ensures projects are delivered efficiently, meeting and exceeding client expectations.
Driven by a vision to advance healthcare design through innovation, Sahar is committed to creating environments that enhance patient experiences, optimise workflows and set new benchmarks in healthcare design excellence.
Hossein Mirzajani
Healthcare designer, HKS, USA
Hossein is a multidisciplinary designer with over ten years of experience in various architectural design practices, primarily focusing on healthcare. His diverse background spans healthcare, commercial, mixed-use and residential projects, driven by a passion for leveraging evidence-based design to shape the built environment and transform stakeholder insights into innovative, user-centred solutions.
As a designer/researcher at HKS, Hossein has a proven track record of managing award-winning projects, guiding them from conceptual visioning through design development to successful project delivery. He is widely recognised for his strong team collaboration, critical thinking and communication skills. As an expert in building information modeling (BIM) technology, he is proficient in managing high-performing, well-coordinated buildings using a variety of programs.
Hossein’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in purpose and shared value, complemented by a solid understanding of engineering and a meticulous, detail-oriented approach throughout the entire project life cycle. He is dedicated to solving meaningful problems by developing efficient design solutions.
Digital innovation in wayfinding systems: A step toward patient-centred healthcare design
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Efficient wayfinding is a cornerstone of patient-centred care, particularly in large and complex hospital environments. Current systems, often static and one-size-fits-all, fail to address the diverse needs of patients, especially vulnerable populations, such as those with vision impairments, limited English proficiency or heightened stress. These limitations negatively impact patient satisfaction, care delivery and operational efficiency. To address these challenges, this study proposes a mobile application prototype that integrates real-time facility updates, personalised navigation assistance and accessibility features to revolutionise hospital wayfinding systems.This research explores the inefficiencies in traditional wayfinding systems and investigates how digital, adaptive technologies can enhance navigation experiences and patient autonomy while improving operational workflows in healthcare facilities. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining a literature review, ethnographic studies and interviews with ten healthcare architects and medical planners to identify key issues such as poor visibility, static signage and limited accommodations for diverse user groups. Based on these insights, a mobile app prototype was designed and subjected to three iterative rounds of usability testing – low, mid and high fidelity – with 20 patients from various age groups, nationalities and backgrounds. These tests measured navigation efficiency, patient satisfaction and reliance on staff assistance.
The findings demonstrated significant improvements in patient navigation efficiency and satisfaction. Patients reported a marked reduction in stress and reliance on staff for directions, enabling healthcare providers to redirect their focus to direct patient care. Additionally, the app's AI-driven features provided personalised experiences, addressing specific user needs and facilitating smoother healthcare journeys.
This research highlights the critical role of adaptable, human-centred technologies in creating inclusive and efficient healthcare environments. The proposed system not only enhances patient autonomy but also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing the need for frequent updates to physical signage. Its adaptability ensures long-term relevance, even in dynamic hospital layouts. By fostering equitable access, the system contributes to operational efficiency, reduced costs and improved patient experiences.
As healthcare systems face increasing demands, including ageing populations, resource constraints and a growing need for sustainable practices, innovative wayfinding solutions are essential. This research underscores the importance of adopting digital tools and personalised approaches in healthcare design, inviting policy makers, designers and practitioners to consider how such systems can improve patient outcomes and drive operational excellence. Ultimately, this project positions technology-driven wayfinding as a transformative tool in modern healthcare, ensuring resilience and equity in future healthcare systems.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the limitations of current hospital wayfinding systems
- Explore the limitations of current hospital wayfinding systems
- Evaluate the benefits and implications of innovative wayfinding solutions
P13
Care for those who care: The Medical University of South Carolina’s initiative to design a space addressing substance use disorder through tailored recovery services
Hala El Khorazaty
Senior healthcare designer, Perkins&Will, USA
Hala is a Senior healthcare project designer at Perkins&Will, bringing over 13 years of experience with the firm across multiple countries. She is a thoughtful designer with a diverse range of research interests, focusing on wellness and sustainable design across various markets. Hala is also one of the firm’s Living Design Champions and an expert researcher on brain capital.
Amy Sickeler
Principal, Design director, Perkins&Will, USA
Amy brings to her work deep empathy for people and the environment while creating beauty. With industrial design and interior architecture training, she is dedicated to partnering with clients and leading teams in the creation of compassionate, healing spaces that inextricably blend research and design theory with health, functionality, aesthetics and performance for the interior of complex architectural projects.
Amy’s influence reaches beyond projects and clients. A Principal in the Atlanta office of Perkins&Will, Amy serves as an interior design principal for all the studio's healthcare projects. Amy’s 35+ years of experience include research, visioning, programming, space planning, development of facility standards, interior design, construction documentation, furniture and equipment inventory and colour and design theory. With an intent focus on healthcare design, she has dedicated her career to developing innovative healing spaces for a variety of diverse clients.
Care for those who care: The Medical University of South Carolina’s initiative to design a space addressing substance use disorder through tailored recovery services
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Healthcare professionals face extraordinary levels of stress and burnout, which significantly increase their vulnerability to substance use disorder (SUD). Despite this critical need, South Carolina faces a shortage of high-quality residential treatment and partial hospitalisation services specifically designed for recovering professionals. This gap forces many healthcare workers and other professionals to seek treatment out of state, further complicating their path to recovery.A comprehensive needs assessment conducted for the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health Adult Addiction Center highlights the urgency of creating a dedicated recovery centre for professionals. Key findings underscore that 8.7 per cent of employed adults are affected by SUD, yet only 1.2 per cent receive treatment, as per the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Moreover, residential treatment admissions in South Carolina have grown at a slower rate (1.1 per cent CAGR, 2017–2022) compared to the national average of 2.5 per cent.
To address this pressing issue, we envisioned a private recovery centre in Charleston for approximately 30 clients, utilising evidence-based approaches tailored to the unique needs of professionals such as physicians, nurses, pilots, lawyers and first responders. The programme will prioritise discretion and flexibility to enhance accessibility, while fostering a supportive recovery environment.
With a design aimed at scalability, this initiative has the potential to become a regional and national destination, offering a sustainable solution to one of healthcare’s most pressing wellness challenges. Join us to explore the findings, opportunities and the vision for this transformative recovery centre.
Learning Objectives
- Addiction within the healthcare field
- Staff recovery
- Staff retention
P14
What we did at the United Nations Science Summit, and the call to action for better brain health
Hala El Khorazaty
Senior healthcare designer, Perkins&Will, USA
Hala is a Senior healthcare project designer at Perkins&Will, bringing over 13 years of experience with the firm across multiple countries. She is a thoughtful designer with a diverse range of research interests, focusing on wellness and sustainable design across various markets. Hala is also one of the firm’s Living Design Champions and an expert researcher on brain capital.
Debbie Beck, Principal and Healthcare operations and strategic planning executive, Perkins&Will, USA
Debbie Beck
Principal and Healthcare operations and strategic planning executive, Perkins&Will, USA
Debbie has 30+ years of experience as a clinician, healthcare executive and consultant specialising in the planning of complex healthcare spaces – including inpatient, outpatient, ambulatory and community settings. Her domestic and international experience encompasses a wide range of healthcare models for both medical and behavioural health services, serving adults, paediatrics and newborns. With deep expertise in clinical operations and patient care, Debbie partners with clients to create functional and efficient environments that promote healing, brain health and safety. Her proficiency in planning and programming spaces supports effective therapeutic interventions and staff collaboration. Debbie’s background in behavioural health informs trauma-informed designs, creating spaces that foster safety and wellbeing while addressing immediate operational needs and long-term goals. Leveraging her emergency management training and extensive crisis management experience, she integrates effective preparedness into facility planning, providing resilient, safe and efficient environments that support both routine care and unexpected situations.
Harris Eyre
Neuroscientist, entrepreneur, economic strategist and author, Baker Institute, USA
Harris Eyre is an Australian neuroscientist, entrepreneur, economic strategist and author. He is focused on advancing the brain economy – aka the brain-positive economic transformation – to stop and reverse the loss of global brain capital. It is believed the world is increasingly relying on brain capital, where a premium is put on brain skills and brain health (e.g. individual’s cognitive, emotional and social brain resources), and that investing in building brain capital is fundamental to meeting modern societal challenges and to driving innovation
What we did at the United Nations Science Summit, and the call to action for better brain health
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Building brain capital through design – the integration of cognitive abilities, mental health and brain-based skills – is essential for societal innovation and economic progress.At the United Nations, Perkins&Will led impactful discussions, in collaboration with Rice University, the Baker Institute and a diverse range of panellists, to explore how the built environment can enhance brain capital. These conversations emphasised promoting brain health through design strategies such as integrating natural light, green spaces, acoustic comfort and regenerative principles to improve air quality and connect occupants with nature. We also advocated for creating inclusive spaces that address neurodiversity, accommodating diverse sensory and cognitive needs to foster resilience and adaptability. Furthermore, we advanced brain skills by encouraging the design of flexible, adaptable spaces that support collaboration, creativity and problem-solving, alongside educational environments that stimulate innovation and engagement.
To drive this vision forward, we proposed short-term actions such as piloting brain-positive projects and implementing immediate design improvements, as well as long-term goals like establishing national standards, advancing research on brain-positive design, and providing professional training. By prioritising brain capital in the built environment, Perkins&Will seeks to create healthier, more innovative communities that thrive in the face of modern challenges.
Learning Objectives
- United Nations Science Summit
- Brain health
- Brain capital
P15
Identifying opportunities and barriers to innovation in residential care building design: An Australian e-Delphi study
Anahita Sal Moslehian
Postdoctoral research fellow, Deakin University, Australia
Anahita Sal Moslehian holds academic qualifications in architecture. Since 2022, she has worked as a Postdoctoral research fellow with the HOME Research Centre at Deakin University, Australia. In this role, she collaborates with diverse research teams to deliver, disseminate and translate research into impactful policy and practice.
She is an EDAC-certified researcher whose passion lies in exploring how architectural design can enhance human health and wellbeing, care and cure. She is also interested in the relationship between architectural design and its socio-political contexts, ranging from historical analyses of design innovation systems to the ethnography of end-user experiences.
Her expertise across various aspects of health-promoting built environments which positions her to contribute meaningfully toward not only a sustainable system but also a restorative and regenerative system. Through engaged participatory action research and systems-based design approaches, she has integrated diverse insights to address complex housing and healthcare design challenges. This work has generated knowledge that supports healthier lifestyles, enhances occupants' quality of life and contributes to environmental and social value.
Identifying opportunities and barriers to innovation in residential care building design: An Australian e-Delphi study
Abstract Copy
In Australia and globally, significant shifts in level, structure and demand for residential aged care facilities – along with systemic concerns about quality and safety highlighted by the Royal Commissions (2021) – necessitate expanded service capacity and innovative approaches to both care models and facility design. Designing residential care facilities, though, presents unique challenges due to their interconnected components and evolving nature. Given the long lifespan and substantial financial investment in these buildings, it is essential to prioritise residents’ health and quality of life while ensuring system efficiency and sustainability through design innovation.Despite growing research into residential care design, its impact on practice and innovation remains limited. While some innovative examples exist globally, residential care settings often fall short of creating environments that fully support residents’ wellbeing. The procurement process, encompassing planning, concept development and design, operation and evaluation, is a critical process where opportunities for design innovation may emerge. However, contextual factors such as country-specific policies, regulations, research evidence, health service developments, organisational changes and socioeconomic influences shape this process, and limited research has examined how these factors promote innovation.
This study explores opportunities and barriers to design innovation in the procurement of residential care facilities in Australia. Here, three objectives are addressed: 1) to develop a diagrammatic representation of the procurement process for a new residential care facility, outlining key stakeholders and their roles; 2) to identify the contextual factors that most significantly impact innovation in residential care building design; and 3) to explore the facilitators and barriers to building design innovation at each stage of the procurement process, and propose actionable strategies.
The study employs a multi-method qualitative approach, including a literature review, analysis of 38 case studies and a two-round national e-Delphi process involving 31 experts, including residential care researchers, designers, facility providers and government representatives.
Adopting a systems-thinking approach, the study examines interactions and interdependencies within the procurement process to understand its role in the broader care system. Findings highlight the significant influence of fiscal, regulatory and policy factors on innovation and the importance of stakeholder collaboration throughout procurement phases. The study also proposes actionable strategies to enhance design outcomes and drive innovation.
Learning Objectives
- To adopt a systems-thinking approach
- To develop a diagrammatic representation of the procurement process for a new residential care facility
- To identify the contextual factors that most significantly impact innovation in residential care building design
P16
Learning from healthcare workers about how their clinical workflows translate to spatial layouts: Findings from an ethnographic study of Mohalla Clinics in Delhi
Amarjeet Mohanty
PhD research scholar, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India
Amarjeet Mohanty is an architect and design ethnographer interested in how the design of the built environment affects human health and wellbeing, especially for older adults. His research areas include design ethnography, evidence-based design of healthcare environments, geriatric design (particularly for older adults with Alzheimer's or dementia), flexible inpatient unit design, work environments for healthcare staff (clinical or non-clinical) and inclusive/universal design.
Gourab Kar
Assistant professor, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India
Gourab Kar, PhD, is an architect, designer and human factors researcher based in New Delhi, India. His areas of design expertise include human factors and ergonomics, sedentary behaviour and health, universal design, environment-behaviour research and body-conscious design. Gourab teaches design at the Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Previously, he was a postdoctoral scholar at the Interdisciplinary Center for Healthy Workplaces at the University of California Berkeley. Gourab has a PhD in Human Behaviour and Design from Cornell University and has taught design at Cornell University and at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
Learning from healthcare workers about how their clinical workflows translate to spatial layouts: Findings from an ethnographic study of Mohalla Clinics in Delhi
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The Mohalla (community) Clinic network has often been referred to as the 'first line of defence' in Delhi's primary healthcare system. Since its inception in 2015, the Mohalla Clinic scheme has grown to 533 clinics serving over 16.24 million residents annually. Designed to provide high-quality healthcare services to underserved communities, these clinics work on a zero-cost model by providing free consultations, drugs, diagnostics and pathological tests. Collectively, Mohalla Clinics handle about 20 per cent of outpatient visits to government healthcare facilities in Delhi and patient satisfaction rates have been as high as 97 per cent.During the Covid-19 pandemic, when hospitals in Delhi had ceased to provide outpatient consulting services, not only did the Mohalla Clinics play a critical role as access points for primary healthcare services, but they also offered Covid-19 laboratory testing facilities. However, the Covid-19 pandemic revealed significant operational challenges for the clinics due to their spatial constraints. In response, healthcare workers made ad hoc modifications to interior layouts of the clinics to ensure delivery of primary healthcare services while conforming to Covid-19 operational protocols. Therefore, this ethnographic study focused on identifying the unique and diverse environmental design requirements of healthcare workers in Mohalla Clinics in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The environmental design requirements of healthcare workers – namely doctors, pharmacists and paramedic staff – were explored through semi-structured interviews followed by a participatory design exercise. Thirty-five healthcare workers from nine Mohalla Clinics were provided with floor plans of clinics and asked to draw-and-tell the ideal spatial layouts that would suit their clinical workflow. Interview data were thematically analysed using qualitative data analysis software to identify two key themes: (a) optimised spatial layouts according to healthcare workers, and (b) the need for unidirectional patient workflow.
Optimised spatial layout focused on the need for dedicated spaces, including duty rooms, pharmacy storage, staff and patient toilets, and other utility areas. Unidirectional clinical workflow highlighted the importance of interior layouts that streamline patient movement and reduce congestion. Design strategies suggested by healthcare workers can improve clinical workflow efficiency, enhance staff-patient interactions and bolster the resilience of healthcare spaces.
However, the spatial layouts of the Mohalla Clinics that were suggested by doctors, pharmacists and paramedical staff prioritised the needs of individual groups without synthesising the collective needs of all healthcare workers. Future work will involve design exercises to co-create clinical layouts of the clinics that incorporate the perspectives of healthcare workers – both individually and collectively – to create healthcare environments which improve clinical workflow, enhance staff-patient interaction and bolster the resilience of healthcare environments.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the genesis of the Mohalla (community) Clinic scheme in New Delhi, India
- Discuss changes made to the built environment of the Mohalla Clinics due to the Covid-19 pandemic and analyse how these changes influenced workflows and communication for healthcare workers
- Deduce the need for resilient designs of Mohalla Clinics that improve preparedness for future pandemics
P17
Beyond the hospital: Precinct-based approaches to health and community in Greater Randwick and beyond
Julian Ashton
Principal, BVN, UK
Julian is a distinguished architect and leader in healthcare, science and research design, recognised for his contributions to architectural transformation over recent decades. With a career spanning Australia and the UK as a Principal at BVN Architecture, Julian has consistently delivered innovative and impactful design solutions that redefine spaces for teaching, learning and healing. Committed to fostering excellence within teams, Julian inspires the pursuit of new skills and personal growth, creating an environment of collaboration and ingenuity. His professional ethos centres on designing supportive and safe environments, particularly in healthcare, where his work spans regional, outer urban and urban communities, ensuring equitable access to high-quality facilities. He thrives on the complexity of technical challenges, specialising in laboratories, research facilities, large-scale hospitals and other intricate healthcare spaces. His work exemplifies a blend of functionality and aspiration, consistently setting benchmarks in design excellence.
Stephanie Costelloe
Principal, BVN, Australia
Stephanie, Principal at BVN Architecture, is a recognised leader in healthcare design, known for her innovative and engaging approach to creating transformative environments. Stephanie brings a wealth of experience spanning major healthcare projects across Australia and Asia, showcasing a deep understanding of the strategies and processes underpinning successful outcomes in diverse cultural contexts. A seasoned expert in briefing, designing and delivering complex projects, Stephanie's work reflects her passion for crafting innovative spaces that resonate with their occupants. Her ability to translate complex requirements into simple, intuitive solutions stems from a personalised approach to design and a curious mindset that seeks to challenge the status quo. Stephanie’s extensive portfolio includes state-of-the-art hospitals and cutting-edge research facilities, where she integrates advanced medical technologies with sustainable design principles.
Beyond the hospital: Precinct-based approaches to health and community in Greater Randwick and beyond
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Healthcare design is evolving beyond the traditional walls of the hospital. This presentation explores the precinct approach as a framework for integrating healthcare, community and urban design in creating healthier neighbourhoods. Drawing on BVN’s experience with the Greater Randwick Urban Masterplan in Sydney, we will unpack how collaboration across sectors – including local residents, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) campus and healthcare providers – has redefined the relationship between acute care services and the surrounding urban fabric. Central to this discussion is the Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building, a key anchor within the precinct, which exemplifies how healthcare facilities can serve as catalysts for broader social, economic and environmental benefits.The precinct model extends care 'beyond the hospital', embedding wellness into everyday urban life. By considering health infrastructure alongside housing, education, green spaces and transport, the Greater Randwick project provides valuable insights into addressing challenges such as urban density, climate resilience and equitable access to care. These principles are reinforced by lessons from the BaptistCare intergenerational masterplan, also in Sydney, emphasising co-location and collaboration to create inclusive and adaptable urban environments.
From addressing healthcare inequalities to fostering community identity, precinct-based planning positions healthcare infrastructure as a driver of cohesive, sustainable neighbourhoods.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding of an overseas perspective on the precinct approach, highlighting its relevance for other countries striving to reimagine healthcare delivery
- Gain insight into how integrating acute care with community-focused urban design can support health and wellbeing
- Ability to identify strategies for cross-sector collaboration that enhance the social, economic and environmental impact of healthcare projects
P18
What holistic healthcare could look like for our next generation
Neil Orpwood
Head of healthcare, HLM Architects, UK
Neil qualified as an architect in 1995, having started his degree at North East London Polytechnic in 1985. He is a Chartered Member of RIBA, and has worked at HLM Architects in Sheffield since leaving full-time education.
Heading up HLM’s Healthcare Team both nationally and internationally, he has a detailed knowledge of this specialist sector, working on a spectrum of projects, from small refurbishments through to multimillion-pound facilities.
What holistic healthcare could look like for our next generation
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With the recent refocus on the age-old funding dilemma of acute versus community care (at the time of writing, announcements on the expected New Hospital Programme (NHP) review were still awaited), we will use our experience from the National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT) in Sheffield (RIBA Stage 5 commenced in November 2024) to identify some of the key issues and possible solutions.Delivery of increased funding to community care shouldn’t mean a detrimental effect on delivery of acute care and, in fact, could allow for greater opportunities on existing hospital estates. The ‘left shift’ of services from outpatient departments will allow for expansion of key acute services where sites are becoming ever more constrained.
NCCHT will provide a mix of clinical, practical and collaborative innovation and workshop spaces. Two dedicated floors for consulting and rehabilitation will provide a unique mix that will allow product and service development specifically focused on our next generation’s health. Located adjacent to the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University), the facility will be able to bring together and develop realistic solutions for improving child health – developing ideas proposed by children themselves, through to testing prototypes and production examples.
As part of our presentation, we will focus on the following positive community benefits and intend to include an update on the ongoing 12-month delivery (start on site, mobilisation expected January 2025):
• finished building to provide a way of understanding priorities, from the point of view of lived experience experts – in this case all children;
• NCCHT‘s role as part of the wider Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park (SOLP). Show how delivery of a community model can provide increase resilience and a sustainable solution. Self-supporting through collaboration with industry;
• how to design that careful balance between safeguarding and inclusion. Community access to ground floor for enhanced collaboration – café services and chance encounters – and drop-in support;
• access to external space, both immediately adjacent and in the wider park;
• ground floor commercial test bed space for rent – industry collaboration;
• smart Building communications and functional adaptability;
• importance of prevention – early self-awareness leading to a reduced risk of ill health; educating and supporting the next generation to learn how to express concerns regarding health, both physical and mental.
Learning Objectives
- • Education: giving the next generation a sustainable support mechanism that promotes prevention rather than cure – wellness rather than illness.
- • Community integration and benefits of campus approach
- • Smart healthcare: impact of digital on design and operation – connected but separate skill sets
P19
Shaping experiences: The role of architectural design in community hospitals
Yim Eng Ng
Associate principal, Architectus, Australia
Yim Eng Ng (Y E) is a registered architect and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, with over 18 years of experience in delivering heritage, health and aged care projects in Australia, China and Singapore. She is an Associate principal at Architectus Conrad Gargett and has worked on projects in cross-cultural contexts, including the Mount Isa Hospital Redevelopment, Jimbelunga Nursing Centre and Nareeba Moopi Moopi Pa Aged Care Hostel on North Stradbroke Island.
Yim Eng (Y E) was awarded a PhD from the University of Queensland in 2023. Her research uses a case study approach to examine design considerations for Indigenous residents in aged care homes.
Y E is passionate about creating age inclusive spaces and culturally responsive spaces. She is part of AAG (Australian Association of Gerontology), EDRA the DIA (Design Institute of Australia) and has been a sessional tutor at the University of Queensland. Y E regularly contributes to the architecture community through talks and publications.
Shaping experiences: The role of architectural design in community hospitals
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This study explores the role of architectural elements in shaping patient, visitor and staff experiences at the Ripley and Tugun Satellite Health Centres in south-east Queensland, Australia. Findings from a post-occupancy evaluation examine how the physical environment supports care delivery and aligns with patient-centred design principles, integrating perspectives from patients and staff.A mixed-methods approach was employed, including architectural documentation, participant observation, surveys and semi-structured interviews. Data were collected across case study sites and analysed to identify how environmental features influenced care delivery and experiential quality for patients, visitors and staff.
Results
1. Staff feedback: staff expressed high satisfaction with natural lighting, safety and aesthetics but identified areas for improvement, such as enhanced lines of sight to patients and improved transitional waiting spaces.
2. Patient and visitor input: patients and visitors valued the health centre's accessibility, welcoming ambiance and comfortable waiting areas. They suggested clearer signage, on-site dining options and improved thermal comfort and glare reduction.
3. Stakeholder workshop: stakeholders emphasised the strengths of patient-centred design, operational efficiency and a welcoming environment while highlighting areas for enhancement, including optimised wayfinding, expanded amenities and improved spatial functionality.
4. First Nations access: data indicated that First Nations patients utilised the health centre's services at a rate higher than the acute hospital.
The study highlights a strong alignment between staff and patient perspectives, emphasising the significance of natural lighting, courtyard views, clear sightlines and thoughtfully designed waiting areas in community hospitals. Effective wayfinding, both within and outside the hospital, emerged as a vital factor in improving accessibility and overall patient experience.
Notably, the accessibility and design of the health centre environment may play a key role in influencing the uptake of services by First Nations peoples. Recommendations include enhancing signage for clarity and coherence, improving spatial transitions to create more welcoming and navigable spaces, and refining design elements to better support inclusive, patient-centred care delivery in community hospitals.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding the role of architecture in care delivery: explore how architectural elements, such as natural lighting, sightlines and waiting area design, influence patient, visitor, and staff experiences in community hospitals
- Enhancing accessibility and inclusivity: learn about the critical importance of wayfinding, spatial transitions and culturally safe design in improving access to healthcare services, particularly for First Nations peoples
- Integrating stakeholder perspectives: gain insights into how staff, patient and visitor feedback can inform recommendations to refine hospital environments, ensuring they align with patient-centred care principles and support operational efficiency
P20
Co-design for enhanced access and engagement in play: Exploring solutions for children and families in paediatric palliative care
Manuel Schmid
Physician, University Hospital Augsburg (Germany), Imperial College London, Germany
Manuel is a physician and basic scientist in cardiovascular medicine with expertise in research-based design practice, specialising in co-design processes for healthcare architecture projects. After completing his medical degree at LMU and TU Munich, he pursued further research training as part of his medical doctoral dissertation. With a scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation, he spent a year at the Seidman Lab in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, focusing on congenital heart diseases and defining novel therapeutic targets for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Following this, he worked as a research associate at the Radcliffe Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford, investigating the mechanisms underlying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using human cells and tissues to address the unmet clinical needs of HCM patients. Concurrently, he completed a joint Master’s in Healthcare and Design at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, specialising in co-design processes for healthcare innovation.
Co-design for enhanced access and engagement in play: Exploring solutions for children and families in paediatric palliative care
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Families with children in paediatric palliative care (PPC) and paediatric hospice care (PHC) face medical and social challenges. The provision of adapted play opportunities is vital and requires a family-centred approach to enhance comprehensive PPC/PHC.The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child defines play as a universal right under Article 31, ensuring all children, regardless of gender, culture, or health status, can engage in play. These rights extend to children in PPC, as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Charter on Palliative Care for Children and Young People, emphasising that every child in such settings should have regular opportunities for play.
This project explores how inclusive play can be integrated into a PPC/PHC setting, emphasising its critical role in enhancing the wellbeing of children and families. The objectives of this study are to investigate the role and use of play in families with children in PPC/PHC. Based on the insights, the aim is to design prototypes for inclusive play environments and play solutions as part of a new children’s hospice which is currently in the planning/soon-to-be implementation phase.
The research follows the Double Diamond model, involving the collection of secondary (literature review) and primary data (survey, expert interviews, focus group) throughout the design process. The survey included 22 families with children in PPC/PHC. To complement the mixed-methods approach, a co-design workshop and a play-specific design tool (Lenses of Play) were utilised for the development of an interactive play environment/product.
The primary outcomes highlight the important role of play for children and family members in PPC/PHC, but also reveal a gap between families’ needs and the limited play options adapted to these needs. The gaps mainly affect social and outdoor play. Over two-thirds of children in PPC/PHC either rarely (27 per cent) or never (41 per cent) play with peers, often engaging in social play only with adults. Similarly, about two-thirds rarely (23 per cent) or never (41 per cent) play outdoors. A conceptual product developed within a focus group and a co-design workshop for a play environment in a children's hospice offers a potential solution to enhance social play for children in PPC/PHC and promote family interaction.
This study emphasises the importance of play for families with children in PPC/PHC. It exemplifies a co-design process for solutions that facilitate interactive play in PPC/PHC settings, such as a children’s hospice, with the aim of enhancing the family experience in these challenging circumstances.
Learning Objectives
- Role of play in PPC/PHC
- Co-design for comprehensive PPC/PHC
- Evidence-based children’s hospice design
P21
How the emerging intersection of neuroscience and architectural research can enhance a sense of coherence in our healthcare settings
Tye Farrow
Founding partner, Farrow Partners, Canada
Working at the intersection of architecture and neuroscience, Tye Farrow is a world-recognised pioneer tackling how what we create either gives or causes health. With award-winning projects around the globe that enact salutogenic design – design that actively incites health – he is the first Canadian architect to have earned a Master of Neuroscience Applied to Architecture (University of Venice Iuav), and has a Master of Architecture in Urban Design (Harvard University), and a Bachelor of Architecture degree (University of Toronto).
Tye is a sought-after speaker who has presented to respected organisations and universities in over 45 cities on six continents, including the Salk Institute, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, The Mayo Clinic, and The Cleveland Clinic, and has been called a global leader making “a significant contribution to health and humanity through the medium of architecture”.
His bestselling book, 'Constructing Health: How the Built Environment Enhances Your Mind’s Health', explores how our mind, and its various sensory systems, interacts with our built environment to create the conditions in which we can thrive and prosper, and bridges the gap in knowledge between the therapeutic medical world, the design community and public, to reveal how the intentional shaping of our environment can support our physical and neurological wellbeing. Acclaimed by both professional and public critics, the book has been described as “a landmark work that will undoubtedly influence the future of architectural design”.
How the emerging intersection of neuroscience and architectural research can enhance a sense of coherence in our healthcare settings
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How do hospitals make us feel? How can they make us feel better? Through research in the emerging intersection of neuroscience and architecture, this talk will explore the research into how our mind, and its various sensory systems, interacts with our built environment, specifically healthcare settings, to enhance or harm our health and wellbeing.Although the biological brain is physically housed in the skull, recent research reveals that the mind, the brain’s operating system, extends through and beyond the body to engage with our surroundings. This raises urgent questions about the role of architecture and placemaking in creating ‘mind health’ for those who use healthcare settings – staff, patients and visitors.
This talk will bridge the gap in knowledge between the therapeutic medical world and the design community to reveal how the intentional shaping of our environment, using emerging neuroscience and cognitive sciences research, can support our physical and neurological health and wellbeing. It will draw on research in the fields of sensory integration theory, environmental psychology, occupational psychology, human factor psychology, experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience and attention restoration theory, as well as related non-clinical areas of health enhancement that include biophilia, neurodiversity, sensory impact, neuroaesthetics, neuroarts, neurophenomenology, neuro wellness, environmental neuroscience and neurourbanism.
Today's medical spaces need to be designed to surpass mere technical medical treatments, to enhance the entire human experience. This talk will explore recent discoveries in cognitive psychology (the science of the mind) and neuroscience (the science of the brain), along with the concepts of embreathment, embodiment and environmental enrichment, to explain how we form salutogenic, health-giving, person-to-place relationships with our healthcare environments that are similar to the healthy and meaningful person-to-person relationships we form in daily life. It will outline how, by combining several fields of knowledge, we can create enhanced, enriched healthcare environments, through scientifically-grounded, multisensory, neuro-wellness interventions that increase the full clinical and human experience.
After establishing these emerging cognitive and neuroscience theories for the audience, the talk will use globally recognised, built hospital examples, to illustrate how these concepts can be practically applied to a range of healthcare settings.
Learning Objectives
- Neuroscience and architecture
- Environmental enrichments
- Neuro-wellness interventions
P22
WOmeN and cancer – a spatial DEsign approach for wellbeing in the Recovery journey
Alice Daminet
PhD candidate, University of Liège, Belgium
Alice graduated with an MSc in Architectural Engineering (2024) from the University of Liège (Belgium). Her master thesis explored the integrated conservation of industrial heritage sites, examining the meaning of place, community memory and the intergenerational transmission of cultural heritage. Now working as a teaching assistant and researcher, she aspires to pursue a PhD focusing on how the architecture of care environments can impact the mental and physical wellbeing of (cancer) patients and their (in)formal caregivers.
Catherine Elsen
Professor, University of Liège, Belgium
Catherine is Professor at University of Liège (ULiège – Belgium) where she teaches architectural studios as well as user-centred and participatory methods to students enrolled in the architectural engineering curriculum. She received her PhD in Engineering Sciences in 2011 (ULiège), a Master in Social Sciences in 2009 (CNAM, Paris), and an MS degree in Architecture and Building Engineering in 2007 (ULiège). Her research interests cover design processes (in architecture, design and engineering) and, more specifically, the impact design tools and methods have on specific cognitive processes (participation; integration of end-users’ needs; creativity; co-operation between team members).
Ann Petermans
Associate professor, Hasselt University, Belgium
Ann Petermans is an Associate professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Arts, Hasselt University, Belgium. She co-chairs the Design Research Society's Special Interest Group on Design for Wellbeing, Happiness and Health. Her research interests include designing for experience in designed environments and for diverse user groups, and research related to design for subjective wellbeing and how architecture and interior architecture can contribute in this respect. Ann is editorial board member of The Design Journal and publishes in various high-quality journals and books. She is also co-editor of the books 'Design for Wellbeing: an applied approach' (2020) and 'Retail Design: theoretical perspectives' (2017), both published by Routledge.
WOmeN and cancer – a spatial DEsign approach for wellbeing in the Recovery journey
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The architecture of healthcare environments significantly impacts patient, caregiver and staff wellbeing (Alvaro et al., 2016). Yet traditional hospital designs often result in sterile, unwelcoming spaces (Sadek and Willis, 2022). This leads care environments to appear as a threat, a strangeness in the life course of patients (Periano, 2024). In Belgium, cancer care facilities highlight these challenges, with traditional hospital aisles contrasted against emerging models like wellness-integrated centres and walk-in houses inspired by Maggie’s Centres. These innovative typologies emphasise familiarity, comfort and community, signalling a shift toward more patient-centred care environments (Martin et al., 2019).The WOmeN and cancer – a spatial DEsign approach for wellbeing in the Recovery journey (WONDER) research project examines how spatial design affects the experiences of patients, caregivers (formal and informal) and staff (PCFIS) in cancer care facilities. Focusing on women’s post-treatment recovery, it investigates the relationship between design, body image and expressions of (feminine) identity, alongside the needs of caregivers and staff.
The WONDER project addresses two core questions:
(i) What architectural factors positively or negatively impact PCFIS experiences?
(ii) How can these factors be systematically integrated into design processes, balancing desirability, feasibility, and viability constraints?
The research is structured into five interconnected work packages combining qualitative methodologies and participatory approaches.
- WP0 focuses on preparatory groundwork, including a systematic literature review, ethical committee approvals and the establishment of research fields.
- WP1 builds the theoretical foundation through a research stay at Maggie’s Dundee, enabling an in-depth study of its cancer care design principles and their relevance to the Belgian context.
- WP2 involves field observation across three distinct typologies of cancer care sites in Belgium: traditional hospital oncology aisles; wellness-integrated hospital centres (which blend clinical care with elements of wellbeing) and walk-In houses, offering community-oriented, non-institutional spaces for support and recovery. Over 18 months, participatory and visual research methods will document PCFIS lived experiences within these diverse settings and their unique spatial dynamics.
- WP3 eventually deploys co-design workshops to engage PCFIS stakeholders in collaboratively developing practical and inclusive design solutions tailored to these typologies.
- WP4 focuses on operationalising those solutions, including building code suggestions and a portfolio of adaptable design guidelines, validated through focus groups and aimed at diverse scales of implementation.
By articulating PCFIS experiences and participatory design, WONDER bridges research and practice to redefine cancer care environments. The project delivers actionable recommendations and adaptable solutions for the different typologies, fostering recovery, dignity and inclusivity in healthcare design.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding the impact of spatial design on PCFIS experiences
- Exploring traditional and emerging cancer care typologies
- Integrating participatory approaches into healthcare design
P23
PrEP Access Navigator (PAN): Creating a comprehensive ‘application cheat sheet’ for the Trillium Drug Program
Setareh Aghamohammadi
Graduate student, University of Toronto, Canada
Setareh Aghamohammad is a Master of Health Science (MHSc) candidate in Translational Research at the University of Toronto with a background in biochemistry and physiology. Passionate about advancing equitable healthcare, she bridges research, technology and community engagement to design impactful interventions. As a co-investigator, Setareh collaborates with diverse stakeholders and employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to address health challenges. Her experiences working with underserved populations inspire her commitment to improving access to health tools. Aspiring to a career in health law, she aims to empower communities and drive innovation in healthcare.
Shayan Mohammadzadeh Novin
Graduate student, University of Toronto, Canada
Shayan Novin is a Master’s candidate in the Translational Research Program at the University of Toronto. He holds a Bachelor’s of Health Sciences degree from McMaster University. Shayan is interested in improving HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention through system-level changes to care.
Laura Abbatangelo
Graduate student, University of Toronto, Canada
Laura Abbatangelo graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and a Certificate in Employment Relations. As a second-year Master’s student in Translational Research in the Health Sciences, her interests include furthering health promotion for vulnerable populations with a specific emphasis on health law and policy.
Zoe Lambert
Graduate student, University of Toronto, Canada
Zoe Lambert is a Master’s candidate in the Translational Research Program at the University of Toronto with a background in physiology, evolutionary anthropology and medical anthropology. Their interests are in health equity and the impact of health communication and outreach on 2SLGBTQ patient’s experiences of health and care.
PrEP Access Navigator (PAN): Creating a comprehensive ‘application cheat sheet’ for the Trillium Drug Program
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Accessing life-saving medications shouldn’t be complicated, yet for many uninsured individuals aged 23–64, Ontario’s Trillium Drug Program (TDP) remains a barrier. The PrEP Access Navigator (PAN) aims to break down these barriers by providing a transformative, patient-centric digital tool that simplifies the TDP application process. Financial constraints, complex paperwork and a lack of digital support currently hinder access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), leaving vulnerable populations at risk.PAN serves as a virtual 'cheat sheet' that adapts to user responses, guiding them step-by-step through the complex TDP application. By offering personalised suggestions, PAN reduces confusion and ensures that users receive tailored support, making the application process more accessible and efficient through digital transformation.
Developed using the Translational Research Framework from the University of Toronto, PAN’s creation follows two key phases: 'Understand' and 'Act'. The 'Understand' phase involved informal research, including consultations with scholarly literature, to uncover key accessibility barriers. The 'Act' phase focuses on iterative development, with usability assessed through two rounds of feedback sessions.
In these sessions, 20 participants will test Version 1 of PAN, providing critical feedback to refine Version 2. Virtual prototyping semi-structured interviews will be conducted via Zoom to ensure data security, and participants will use mock data to protect their privacy. Thematic analysis of these sessions will guide improvements, ensuring PAN meets the needs of its users effectively. Additional metrics to measure PAN's success include application completion rate, reduction in application errors, and user satisfaction scores.
By integrating PAN with existing social service networks like the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) and pharmacies, we aim to enhance patient experience and service efficiency. Streamlining the TDP application process is expected to boost PrEP uptake, ultimately reducing HIV transmission rates and contributing to improved population health in Ontario.
Beyond immediate impact, PAN offers a replicable model for other healthcare services, setting a new standard for patient accessibility, digital healthcare interventions and leveraging science and technology. By reimagining how social programmes like TDP are delivered, PAN addresses critical gaps in population health and paves the way for more equitable healthcare.
Further collaboration and partnerships for additional pilot testing and funding are required to advance our processes. We invite stakeholders to join us in expanding PAN’s impact through science, technology and digital transformation.
Learning Objectives
- Identify barriers to access
- Improve user-centred design
- Evaluate impact on health outcomes
P24
Rehabilitation, resilience and the transformative power of art within healthcare
Catsou Roberts
Director of creative health, Barts Health NHS Trust, UK
Catsou Roberts is the Director of vital arts, which she joined in 2009. She brings decades of experience as an art professional to Barts Health. She advocates for raising the standard of arts and health, regularly writing and lecturing on the topic for both cultural and clinical audiences.
Catsou is the patient experience judge for the Building Better Healthcare Awards, focusing on art, interior design and landscaping projects. She has juried other awards, prizes, residencies and public realm design competitions for the Wellcome Trust, City of London, Outset, William Morris Gallery, Contemporary Art Society, Clyde & Co and others. She has served in various art advisory roles, including for Maggie’s, Culture Mile, Tate Exchange, Venice Biennial of Architecture 2021, Dementia Connect, Architectural Association and others. Previously, Roberts was Senior curator at Arnolfini, Bristol where she brought an international programme and exhibited under-recognised artists.
Roberts has served as a visiting lecturer at Goldsmiths, Portsmouth School of Architecture, QMUL, Central St. Martins, Royal College of Art, Birkbeck, Slade, Westminster, Kingston, Royal Danish Academy, Konstfack, Stockholm, Art Academy Helsinki, Kunsthogskoken Bergen, Kunstakadmiet iTrondheim and IUAV Venice, and has presented papers at international conferences in Zaragoza, Copenhagen, Peccioli and elsewhere. She is a long-standing elected member of AICA (International Association of Art Critics) and IKT (International Association of Curators of Contemporary Art). Roberts has lived and worked in the USA, France, Germany and Japan, as well as the UK.
Rehabilitation, resilience and the transformative power of art within healthcare
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Hospitals are key municipal spaces. Evolved from ancient temple precincts – and later monasteries – they form part of the civic complex. They are intended to welcome and serve the public, and their design should signal as much with gracious and generous spaces.Despite the erosion of the public realm within the NHS, curated art projects can humanise the clinical environment. At the heart of many local communities, these 24/7 structures present the opportunity for significant encounters with contemporary culture which patients, staff and visitors might not otherwise access.
There is mounting evidence of the healing effects of meaningful art within healthcare. It is widely recognised that carefully selected art projects contribute to the wellbeing of patients, and often result in the reduced use of analgesics and shortened hospital stays. Staff also report feeling better supported by the enhanced working environment, which leads to improved retention and recruitment.
Art strategies, now included as standard practice across the NHS, are seen as an important component of compassionate care. Not only can the presence of thoughtfully curated art projects reduce stress and accelerate recovery, but it can also promote creativity which, in turn, can foster resilience. The provision for engagement with creativity supports wellbeing and engenders a sense of empowerment in patients and staff.
When art projects are rooted within a hospital’s context, the health benefits are more tangible. The most effective commissioned artworks are those that are site-specific. Ideally, curators and artists are involved at an early stage of construction, working with architects to ensure artwork is as integrated as possible – and in later stages, participate in furniture selection, hospital signage and wayfinding to create a co-ordinated and harmonious design.
Moreover, these art projects need to be patient responsive: they must take into account demographics; consider how particular hospital spaces are occupied; and be sensitive to the treatment and medical services being accessed in those areas. As a consequence, each artwork is more likely to resonate with patients. A collection of outstanding artworks on public display in hospitals might also draw a wider audience than those seeking treatment, thus creating a local amenity that grants the hospital community a sense of identity and instills community pride and ownership.
Innovative and ambitious art projects that assist clinical aims and support medical outcomes go beyond rehabilitation; they activate resilience and, ultimately, contribute to human flourishing.
Learning Objectives
- Importance of raising the standard of art in healthcare to humanise the NHS and foster resilience
- Meaningful art strategies can provide opportunities for meaningful cultural encounters
- Thoughtfully curated art projects can empower patients and staff, and create a sense of pride
P25
Design for better orientation and information at hospitals during mass casualty incidents
Michal Eitan
Professor, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Jerusalem, Israel
Michal is a seasoned leader, entrepreneur and educator in design, sustainability, entrepreneurship, change management and systematic thinking processes. Michal was the head of the Master’s Program for Design (M.Des) at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem until October 2017. Currently, she manages the 'Florence Program' – a design studio at the Soroka Medical Center in Beer Sheba, Israel. Before she joined the academic world, Michal played an important role in building the hi-tech scene in Israel and served as a VP in several hi-tech companies, tech incubators and accelerators.
She studied sociology and business at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and received her M.Sc. in urban and regional planning from Technion in Haifa.
Design for better orientation and information at hospitals during mass casualty incidents
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In extreme events, both natural and man-made, hospitals in the affected area must accommodate a large number of injured individuals and patients, exceeding their regular capacity. Hospitals also face an influx of people searching for their loved ones, adding to the complexity. The EM-DAT database shows that mass casualty incidents (MCI) can result from weather phenomena, earthquakes and man-made incidents, occurring globally regardless of location or development level.In such events, hospitals must provide care to a much larger crowd while managing uncertainty, organisational chaos and resource shortages. Hospitals must quickly adapt, including managing allocated workforce, relocating emergency rooms and preparing large spaces for distressed families. Family members’ orientation within the hospital is a complex challenge, even in regular times, and this challenge is amplified during a disaster.
This study focuses on the MCI of 7 October 2023, where 680 severely injured individuals were brought to Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, Israel, following a large terrorist attack by the Hamas organisation. During that day and the following week, thousands of family members gathered at the hospital seeking information about their missing loved ones.
The Florence Project, part of the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, has operated at Soroka MC since October 2021, connecting design students with on-site healthcare challenges. Following these events, the programme explored solutions to improve orientation and communication for medical teams and families during MCIs. The first solution focused on medical team orientation. A new, easy-to-operate mechanical signage system was developed to cover the existing signs, prevent confusion and ensure clarity. The system was designed to function during power outages. Additionally, modular cardboard signage columns were created, allowing dynamic redirection of people to different areas as needed. These columns can be stored in a folded form and deployed when an MCI occurs.
The second solution addressed family members searching for information. A system for sharing information between families and the hospital's information team was developed, reducing uncertainty and providing a sense of control.
The tragic event of 7 October 2023 highlighted the need for hospitals to adapt to mass casualty situations. These solutions provide tools that can support hospital systems in any MCI, regardless of location or type, and can also be used for smaller crises and daily operations.
Learning Objectives
- Assist medical teams in navigating a hospital during a mass casualty incident
- Support worried family members who arrive to search for their missing loved ones at a mass casualty incident
- Provide support for hospital staff treating worried family members who arrive to search for their missing loved ones during a mass casualty incident
P26
The network hospital: A care ecology
Femke Feenstra
Architect, Gortemaker Algra Feenstra architects, The Netherlands
Femke Feenstra is Board architect, Interior architect and Partner in architectural firm Gortemaker Algra Feenstra (G.A.F). The firm is building a bridge between innovation and tradition – between knowledge accumulated over many years and young, fresh ideas. The G.A.F office often works on assignments in healthcare and wellbeing. Additionally, the firm specialises in research and development. Feenstra received her education at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and at the Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design. She thinks it’s important for designers to look outside of their own fields of expertise, and at how designers can contribute to the future of the living environment. Presently, Feenstra is working on a range of research and projects in close co-operation with clients and users.
The network hospital: A care ecology
Abstract Copy
Healthcare is evolving, emphasising the need to rethink the traditional hospital model. The concept of the 'network hospital' proposes a shift from centralised, large-scale medical facilities to integrated, decentralised care systems. This approach is driven by technological advancement, a focus on patient-centred care and the demand for more flexible, sustainable healthcare infrastructures that support both medical treatment and community wellbeing.This project aims to explore and design a future-proof network hospital that integrates medical care, prevention and community engagement into a cohesive system. The model prioritises decentralising care through various hubs, fostering collaboration between hospitals, home care and local health centres to create more inclusive and efficient healthcare delivery.
A network of care requires redesigning the care process and care buildings. Themes such as access to care, accessibility, the right care in the right place, freedom of choice, flexibility, shortages in care personnel, real estate concepts, longer at home, informal care, sustainability, one digital network, etc. are changing when shifting from centralisation to a network of care. We need to start thinking about a 'care ecology'. The study incorporates real-world examples, such as Rijnstate Elst and AZ Diest, which prioritise these themes. These examples provide insights into how future hospitals can become more adaptable, sustainable and connected to local communities.
With the Maia study (Johan van der Zwart, Nirit Pilosof, Andrea Möhn, Femke Feenstra), we also research the future of the hospital and its network. With this study we show what is needed to change into a care ecology – where it is important that the patient is in control and that the built world works together with the digital world.
The network hospital model represents the future of healthcare design. By integrating care services within communities and leveraging digital technologies, hospitals can become more responsive to patient needs, more resource-efficient and better connected to the broader health ecosystem: care ecology. This approach not only improves health outcomes but also strengthens community health and resilience. The implications of this model are profound, suggesting a radical transformation in healthcare delivery, with a focus on prevention, integration and sustainability.
This presentation focuses on both practice and theory, presenting a vision for the future of healthcare infrastructure and its potential to restructure care delivery.
Learning Objectives
P27
AI and the future of architecture
Femke Feenstra
Architect, Gortemaker Algra Feenstra architects, The Netherlands
Femke Feenstra is Board architect, Interior architect and Partner in architectural firm Gortemaker Algra Feenstra (G.A.F). The firm is building a bridge between innovation and tradition – between knowledge accumulated over many years and young, fresh ideas. The G.A.F office often works on assignments in healthcare and wellbeing. Additionally, the firm specialises in research and development. Feenstra received her education at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and at the Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design. She thinks it’s important for designers to look outside of their own fields of expertise, and at how designers can contribute to the future of the living environment. Presently, Feenstra is working on a range of research and projects in close co-operation with clients and users.
AI and the future of architecture
Abstract Copy
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in architecture promises profound changes in design processes, operational efficiency and sustainability. At the same time, it presents challenges, such as reduced creative freedom, privacy concerns and ethical dilemmas. This summary explores how AI can support architectural innovation while maintaining the balance between creativity and efficiency, especially in healthcare architecture.This research focuses on the role of AI in improving architectural workflows, with an emphasis on automating repetitive tasks, optimising space usage and addressing energy and regulatory requirements. The goal is to enable architects to focus on human-centred and sustainable design processes.
Through case studies and analysis of AI-driven design tools, the research evaluates workflows such as the integration of BIM (building information modelling), rule-based design proposals and early-stage energy analysis. The STREAMER project, co-funded by the European Union, is presented as an example of how AI-generated designs can improve the planning phase.
The application of AI in architecture demonstrated several benefits:
• efficiency: automating tasks such as generating room layouts and ensuring regulatory compliance reduced design time;
• data insights: early energy analyses supported sustainable design decisions;
• creativity support: AI relieved architects from repetitive tasks, creating more space for conceptual and innovative design.
At the same time, risks such as over-reliance on AI and potential biases in training data remain key concerns.
AI is a double-edged sword in architectural innovation. The ability to streamline processes and enhance sustainability is undeniable, but careful implementation is essential to prevent the loss of creativity and avoid ethical pitfalls. In healthcare architecture, AI offers significant potential to support empathetic and adaptive spaces, provided the applications align with human-centred values.
Learning Objectives
P28
The art of science in care
Femke Feenstra
Architect, Gortemaker Algra Feenstra architects, The Netherlands
Femke Feenstra is Board architect, Interior architect and Partner in architectural firm Gortemaker Algra Feenstra (G.A.F). The firm is building a bridge between innovation and tradition – between knowledge accumulated over many years and young, fresh ideas. The G.A.F office often works on assignments in healthcare and wellbeing. Additionally, the firm specialises in research and development. Feenstra received her education at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and at the Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design. She thinks it’s important for designers to look outside of their own fields of expertise, and at how designers can contribute to the future of the living environment. Presently, Feenstra is working on a range of research and projects in close co-operation with clients and users.
The art of science in care
Abstract Copy
Hospitals are inherently stressful environments, often lacking elements that support the wellbeing of patients and staff. While science shows how the built environment influences wellbeing, and art reveals how sensory input shapes perception and experience, designers rarely leverage this combined knowledge. Despite working at the intersection of these fields, design education gives limited attention to scientific insights. Evidence-based design (EBD) offers a way to address this gap and improve healthcare environments. However, many design decisions still lack thorough investigation into their measurable impact on healthcare outcomes.Our goal is to familiarise clients and designers with EBD's use and importance. By integrating scientific insights into our designs and gathering evidence from implemented projects, we aim to evaluate and certify solutions based on measurable outcomes.
We researched several projects featuring innovative design approaches. One example is the Zierik7 facility in Zierikzee, where we evaluated the impact of individual front doors on 93 residents with dementia. Our research focused on three core aspects: (1) design ambitions, (2) key considerations like privacy, social interaction and positive distractions, and (3) user experiences. This research employed a post-occupancy evaluation (POE), combining plan analyses, on-site observations (designer perspective) and surveys/interviews (user perspective) with staff and residents.
Initial findings indicate that individual front doors enhance independence and foster a sense of home. Residents experience improved wellbeing through more frequent outdoor activity and greater exposure to daylight, as the design minimises boundaries between inside and outside. Similarly, at Rijnstate in Elst, we studied 'reactivating' departments for oncology and geriatrics, analysing whether the environment encouraged patients to leave their beds and engage in recovery. These studies revealed how reactivating environments support wellbeing and highlighted differences and similarities in outcomes across patient groups.
To disseminate this knowledge within the field, we developed an e-learning tool that helps architects deepen their understanding of scientific research and EBD.
Evidence-based design presents an opportunity to improve care architecture. By extensively applying EBD in our practice, we contribute to advancing knowledge in this area and sharing actionable insights with the design community. This approach reinforces the role of EBD in creating environments that measurably enhance wellbeing.
Learning Objectives
P29
An appraisal of the physical environment in organised inpatient stroke care units in Sri Lanka with comparison to European guidelines on stroke units
Viduni Dedduwa Pathirana
Postgraduate student, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
Viduni Dedduwa Pathirana is a final-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) student at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. She completed her Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture at the same institution in 2022. Viduni has professional experience as an Assistant architect at Dinuk Senanayake Associates, Sri Lanka, where she was involved in several healthcare design projects. She is also an Advanced Green Building Professional accredited by the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka.
Her research primarily focuses on spatial design for health and wellbeing, with a particular interest in stroke care environments. Viduni has published multiple research papers and actively explores how architectural design can contribute to healthcare and patient recovery. Passionate about integrating research-driven solutions into practice, she aims to develop innovative, sustainable and patient-centred healthcare environments.
Jeeva Wijesundara
Assistant professor, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka
Wijesundara J is an Assistant professor, in the School of Architecture, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT). She is a chartered architect, and an urban designer having over 30 years' experience in practice. She is experienced in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Jayewardenepura, and the City School of Architecture, in Sri Lanka. She is a researcher in multidisciplinary areas.
Wijesundara J has developed the format of the analysis and methodology and supervised the overall research while editing and reviewing the manuscript.
Warsha De Zoysa
Senior lecturer, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka
De Zoysa W (MBBS,MD) is a consultant physician who currently serves as a Senior lecturer in medicine at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Her research interests are noncommunicable diseases and geriatric care. De Zoysa W was the supervisor for ethical clearance purposes, and reviewed and edited the manuscript.
Anomali Vidanagamage
Consultant neurologist, District General Hospital Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Vidanagamage A (MBBS, MD) is a consultant neurologist in District General Hospital Hambantota. She is also an active committee member of the Association of Sri Lankan Neurologists. Her research interest areas are in stroke and epilepsy. Vidanagamage A provided subject matter expertise and reviewed the manuscript.
Kithsiri Dedduwa Pathirana
Senior professor in medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka
Pathirana K D (MBBS, MD MRCP, FCCP) is a consultant neurologist who currently serves as a Senior professor in medicine at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. His research interests include stroke and neurorehabilitation, epilepsy and neurotoxicology. Pathirana K D provided subject matter expertise, and conceptualised and designed the study, He has also provided overall supervision and critically reviewed and edited the initial manuscript.
An appraisal of the physical environment in organised inpatient stroke care units in Sri Lanka with comparison to European guidelines on stroke units
Abstract Copy
Healthcare settings play a fundamental role in nurturing and sustaining vibrant communities globally. Emphasising the profound impact of healthcare facility design on patient and staff behaviour influences health, wellbeing, clinical efficiency and health-related outcomes. Stroke represents a significant global health burden as it is a leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Full recovery from stroke is crucial to reducing disability. Recent studies on stroke treatment emphasise that hospital design plays a crucial role in influencing essential aspects of patient care. Thus, effective stroke unit design is necessary to fostering a sustainable community.Improving stroke care environments is crucial, particularly in a country like Sri Lanka, which reports a significant number of stroke cases annually. Studies have found that a lack of appropriately designed stroke units delays stroke recovery. Thus, more research needs to be done on the physical environment in stroke care, which affects health and wellbeing.
We evaluated the existing stroke care units in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, considering its high population and limited specialised stroke care facilities. The method involves a descriptive cross-sectional study, semi-structured interviews, with an open-ended questionnaire to assess seven design elements from the European stroke design guidelines. Medical officers, consultants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists who work in the stroke rehabilitation field were interviewed. A minimum of seven individuals were interviewed from each unit. Staff feedback regarding their perception and the degree of satisfaction was also obtained through an open-ended questionnaire from 20 individuals from each unit, including nurses and other support staff.
The main strength of the design of the existing units is co-located staff spaces. Weaknesses include suboptimal outdoor access, bed spacing, proximity to therapy spaces and disabled access, which significantly reduce social interactions among staff and patients. However, the main problem observed is the need for more planning for these units, as many of them are repurposed from existing hospital areas without being specialised for stroke care. This study highlights the absence of comprehensive stroke unit design guidelines in Sri Lanka, leading to suboptimal planning. Examining current designs and comparing them with extensively researched European design guidelines will be beneficial to improve design guidelines. The study offers insights to architects for developing building guidelines for stroke care in state hospitals in Sri Lanka and other low-resourced South-Asian countries.
Learning Objectives
- To identify the special design requirements specific to the stroke care environment in the European stroke design guidelines
- To investigate whether the stroke units in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka have been designed to adhere to specific design guidelines
- To compare the extent to which the stroke units have responded to the special design requirements in the European stroke design guidelines
P30
Adapting healthcare spaces for the future: Flexibility and resilience in hospital design
Dagan Dror Mochly
President and CEO, Mochly-Eldar Architects, Israel
As a lead architect of MEA's studio, with more than 30 years of experience across the world, Dagan Dror Mochly's global experience has been marked by leadership in numerous significant projects across various sectors, including health, workplace design, high-tech and scientific research facilities.
The company's work is accompanied by his research experience, exhibitions, national and international conferences and workshops, membership in scientific and professional unions, publications and professional awards.
Academic:
ICCROM, International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property Scholarship from the Italian government – one year of studies, Rome, Italy
C.N.R. (National Council of Research), colleague researcher, Rome, Italy
Roma II University, guest researcher with an inter-university research group, Roma, Pisa and Genova, Italy
M. Arch Architecture and Town Planning, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
B. Arch Architecture and Town Planning – cum laude, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
Hezi Rosenberg
Management engineer and programme manager, Samson Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, Israel
An experienced professional in programme and project management within the healthcare and technology sectors. Hezi has previously held roles including Executive Assistant to the chief executive officer at Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, CIO and Head of methodology. Notable experience also includes a tenure at Partner Communications as BCM (business continuity manager), where responsibilities encompassed business continuity planning and emergency response management. Earlier career roles involved project management in telecom development and overseeing information system projects for the public sector. Hezi holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from Tel Aviv University.
Academic:
Medical Entrepreneurship Escalator programme, ADAMA
CIO programme, John Bryce Education
Lean Management (Healthcare), Israel Health Ministry
B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering, Tel Aviv University
Liran Mizrahi
Executive project manager, Margolin Bros, Israel
A civil engineer specialising in healthcare projects with extensive experience managing complex engineering solutions for the the healthcare sector. In recent years, he has led and supervised large-scale hospital projects, focusing on implementing and operating advanced medical infrastructure systems.
One of his recent projects was managing the construction and commissioning processes of the cancer centre at Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem while overseeing the operation of healthcare infrastructure. Prior to that he supervised the construction project of Assuta Hospital in Ashdod while integrating engineering solutions tailored to the facility's needs during the operational stages.
Liran advocates for innovation in engineering in the medical sector, promoting technological solutions that improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Liran's expertise extends to the areas of risk management, management of complex construction projects and development of infrastructure strategies.
Academic:
Executive MBA – management programme, Bar-Ilan University, Israel
Director and Corporate Officer Certification, Bar-Ilan University, Israel
B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, Ariel University, Israel
Adapting healthcare spaces for the future: Flexibility and resilience in hospital design
Abstract Copy
As healthcare systems worldwide face rapid and unpredictable changes, hospital designs must evolve to meet emerging challenges. Hospitals are long-term infrastructures, typically designed to endure 50 to 100 years, during which medical advancement, societal shifts and technological progress will significantly reshape care delivery. To remain relevant, hospitals must exhibit adaptability, resilience and the capacity to respond to diverse and evolving needs. This paper explores strategies for designing hospital spaces that embrace these shifts, positioning them within the broader healthcare ecosystem.Hospital spaces are subject to three primary types of evolutionary changes.
1. Slow evolution: policy and economic shifts – the first type of change occurs gradually, driven by shifts in healthcare policies, economic models and patient care philosophies. These changes often require foresight in hospital design, ensuring that spaces can evolve with new medical technologies or healthcare delivery models. Designing modular spaces that allow for the reconfiguration of patient rooms and treatment areas is essential. For example, non-medical spaces (e.g. conference rooms or storage areas) could be easily converted into temporary treatment zones during periods of high demand. Hospitals must be designed with foresight to accommodate these long-term shifts.
2. Medium-paced evolution: technological and medical advances – the second category is driven by scientific and technological advancements, such as new treatments, telemedicine and personalised care. As these innovations transform care delivery, hospitals must design flexible spaces that can accommodate emerging technologies and decentralised care models. Additionally, the increasing trend toward outpatient procedures and shorter stays necessitates adaptable inpatient care areas, with rooms capable of being repurposed to meet shifting demands. Hospitals must plan for spaces that can be quickly repurposed to accommodate emerging technologies and services.
3. Accelerated evolution: crisis-driven adaptability – the third category involves abrupt changes, typically resulting from crises like pandemics, natural disasters or geopolitical conflicts. Hospitals must be prepared to rapidly reconfigure spaces in response to surges in patient volume and emerging healthcare needs. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of designing hybrid spaces capable of transforming non-clinical areas (such as parking garages) into patient care zones. Hospitals must also integrate infrastructure that supports the rapid deployment of medical technologies, ensuring readiness for unexpected demand spikes.
Hospital design must prioritise modular, adaptive architecture, smart infrastructure and flexible layouts to accommodate these three forms of evolution. Spaces should be able to absorb change without extensive renovation, allowing for swift transformations in response to evolving healthcare needs.
Learning Objectives
- The need for flexibility and resilience in hospital design
- Strategies for adapting hospital spaces to changes and challenges
- Architectural innovations and healthcare design
P31
The Erasmus MC patient room (EMPARO): A living lab to explore and design the microbial-safe patient environment
Margreet Vos
Professor of health-care related infections, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
Margreet C Vos studied at the Medical Faculty of Erasmus University Rotterdam from 1981 to 1988, graduating cum laude. Since 1995, she has been a staff member at Erasmus MC and, in 2012, was appointed Professor of healthcare-related infections in the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. She was the first keynote scientific interviewee for infection control and prevention at ESCMID Global 2024. For nearly 30 years, she has chaired Erasmus MC’s local infection committees. Her expertise and research in infection prevention informs hospital design programmes, ensuring safer healthcare environments and brings evidence-based design. She has delivered hundreds of invited lectures worldwide and authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on infection prevention and hospital-built environments. Her research examines hospital design’s impact on environmental contamination. She is an active member and chair of multiple committees developing infection prevention guidelines, including initiating a guideline on hospital environmental sampling for contamination detection.
Anne Voor in ‘t holt
Postdoc epidemiologist, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
not available
Milee Herweijer
Architect, Wiegerinck, The Netherlands
not available
Merel Brabers
Project manager, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
Monique van Dijk
Professor of nursing science, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
Monique van Dijk currently works as a Professor in nursing science at the Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC. Monique does research in pain assessment in preverbal and nonverbal patients, clinimetrics, nursing topics, patient safety and trauma. She and her group currently evaluate the effect of 100 per cent single rooms in the adult hospital with a focus on patient safety (e.g. fall incidents), quality of care (e.g. sleep quality, perceived quality of care by patients) and the impact on healthcare professionals.
Liesbeth van Heel
Senior policy advisor and Researcher, Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC), The Netherlands
Trained in facility management and business economics, Liesbeth van Heel joined Erasmus MC in 1992. She worked in the facilities management department, was an administrator for the department of paediatric surgery and served on the the Executive Board's staff, before joining the hospital's redevelopment project management team in 2001. After years of working as the university hospital real estate professional, leading a small team of experts (PMO), her focus shifted to co-ordinating the alignment of the various strategic programmes within Erasmus MC toward a safe relocation in May 2018 in the new hospital building, with suitable work processes, logistics and IT support.
She is a Board member of the European Health Property Network (EuHPN). She co-coordinated the scientific programme evaluation of Our New Erasmus MC (PE-ONE, between 2017 and 2023), which focused on infection prevention, experiences with wards with 100 per cent single rooms and stakeholder engagement. Currently, she combines her PhD work with her role as Senior advisor within the Strategy Team of Erasmus MC's Real Estate Directorate.
Juliëtte Severin
Clinical microbiologist IPC, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
The global increase of antimicrobial resistance is currently recognised as one of the most serious threats to human health. With her research, focused on antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention and control, Juliëtte aims to contribute to this field by understanding specific aspects of this problem and finding solutions. She is doing this not only in the Netherlands, but also in some low- to middle-income countries, where the burden and the threat of antimicrobial resistance is highest.
The Erasmus MC patient room (EMPARO): A living lab to explore and design the microbial-safe patient environment
Abstract Copy
The design of a hospital patient room is of utmost importance and should provide microbial safety and support optimal care. Microbial safety means that transmission from the environment to the patient is minimised. Designing this environment requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise from infection prevention specialists (MV, JS), epidemiologists (AV), architects (MH), real estate experts (LvH), and expertise of nursing workflows (MvD).Our aim is to develop an evidence-based functional and technical programme of requirements (PoR) for a purpose-built Living Lab to design the future Erasmus MC patient room (EMPARO) based on experimental studies in the Living Lab. The design of EMPARO will be fueled by this Living Lab through the study and evaluation of design components, materials and systems in order to create an optimal 'evidence-based design patient room'.
The PoR will be developed by a joined expert team to firstly create an unique full-scale Living Lab of a hospital patient room with an adjacent bathroom and anteroom. This will be constructed at Erasmus MC, providing direct access to tertiary care, education (Faculty of Medicine) and research facilities. This gives the unique opportunity to:
• perform experimental studies to develop evidence-based measures for design and care;
• test and optimise technical, functional and material requirements to be used in the patient room;
• facilitate international collaboration for infection prevention and control (IPC) and nursing research.
The Living Lab includes:
• ventilation systems: testing air change rates and pressure differentials;
• sinks: evaluating multiple designs;
• toilets and showers: flexible layouts to study microbial contamination;
• furniture: modular configurations with different materials;
• surfaces: testing antimicrobial coatings;
• disinfection systems: e.g. UVC, H₂O₂, and manual methods.
The Living Lab enables studies on:
1. bathroom layout: optimising placement of sinks, toilets and showers for contamination and fall risk reduction;
2. inventory placement: determining alcohol-based hand rub dispenser locations for compliance;
3. workflow and configuration: assessing layout impacts on care efficiency and safety;
4. sink design: identifying designs minimising splashing and contamination;
5. storage: optimising safe and accessible storage locations;
6. ventilation systems: evaluating ventilation rates and configurations for airborne particle reduction.
The PoR and Living Lab experiments will guide the final EMPARO design, contributing to evidence-based IPC strategies and evidence-based design of hospital rooms that ensure microbial safety. The findings aim to set new international standards for patient room design in healthcare facilities.
Learning Objectives
- To develop a purpose-built Living Lab enabling evidence-based design of the hospital patient room
- To learn the effect of the design, inventory and materials on microbial safety in the patient environment
- Collaboration of experts on enabling the study of the optimal design and use of the hospital patient room
P32
Beyond the partition: Flexible, sustainable and smart healthcare interiors
Ian Strangward
Managing director, Architectural Wallsz, UK
Ian Strangward is a leading expert in healthcare interiors, with 30+ years’ experience in construction and a passion for modular, prefabricated, sustainable solutions. As Managing director of Architectural Wallsz and President of Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS), he is driving the shift toward modern methods of construction (MMC) and delivering adaptable and more cost-effective healthcare spaces.
A Chartered Engineer and IET Member, Ian champions off-site manufacturing to provide certainty in pricing, timelines and sustainability while reducing waste and supporting net-zero carbon goals. As a respected voice in the industry and a regular speaker at Healthcare Estates and the European Healthcare Design show, he is helping shape the next generation of future-proofed hospital interiors.
With the New Hospital Programme (NHP) facing major delays, Ian is proving that to build better, we must build differently and Architectural Wallsz is leading the way.
Beyond the partition: Flexible, sustainable and smart healthcare interiors
Abstract Copy
Plasterboard was invented in 1916 and still remains dominant despite being fragile, dusty, time-consuming to install and, above all, inflexible. Refurbishments and reconfigurations require demolition, disposal and replacement, and access for maintenance and updates causes significant debris and disruption. Current 'future-proofing' relies on surface-mounted solutions – electrical trunking, bedhead units, IPS panels – that segment functions, increasing the number of contractors, space requirements and costs while reducing the partition wall’s potential to a minimal role.Our workshop highlights the sustainability and functionality of multi-trade, prefabricated interior walls that can adapt to the changing needs of healthcare environments. Hospitals, though designed with an attempt to consider the future, are swiftly rendered obsolete following the development of each unforeseen technological, regulatory or environmental advancement. Without innovation, new hospitals promised by 2030 risk perpetuating outdated practices, leading to inefficient infrastructure, inflexible interiors and increased waste and carbon emissions. To avoid repeating history, we must maximise the potential of the partition wall as a dynamic, adaptable element.
The way in which we can learn to build better, harnessing both form and function while being mindful of the future, is through the use of fully adaptable, reconfigurable and reuseable interiors, the features of which demand highly durable and performance-based materials, allowing them to offer the same level quality and operation over decades.
Prefabricated systems offer the efficiency of standardised production alongside the flexibility of bespoke design through its intelligent software. This software allows users to explore their design in rendered visualisations and virtual reality while the design is being developed, encouraging collaboration and patient- + user-centric considerations from the onset. It generates a live, fully costed bill of materials, so the impact of every change is transparent throughout the process, and it directly feeds the factory floor, giving control of the design to the people who know it best. No materials are cut until everything is signed off, reducing waste and giving certainty of design, cost and schedule.
The result is healthcare infrastructure that evolves with the needs of the users, ever-developing technology and the requirements of the patients in its care. Hospitals’ interiors become fluid ecosystems that can react to the unexpected changes faced throughout their lifetime, without generating waste or requiring costly overhauls. By embracing adaptable interiors, we eliminate fears of obsolescence, creating sustainable, efficient and flexible healthcare environments.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the limitations of traditional hospital infrastructure
- Learn the principles of adaptive, sustainable and circular design
- Discover the role of digital technology in customisable healthcare spaces
P33
Simulating daylight in urban ICUs: Critical evaluation of lighting performance metrics and standards
Fion Ouyang
PhD student, University of Toronto, Canada
Fion Ouyang is a PhD pre-candidate in architecture, landscape and design at the Daniels Faculty, University of Toronto. Grounded in architecture and building science, Ouyang is interested in the effects of building performance on human wellbeing. Specifically, she focuses on architectural design strategies with emphasis on human comfort and performance simulation. Through appropriate use of daylight, she aims to develop design strategies to optimise indoor environments to enhance occupant health and quality of life. Ouyang is currently researching and evaluating the performance of daylight metrics.
Christopher Parshuram
Staff physician, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Canada
Christopher Parshuram graduated from Otago University of New Zealand in 1990, with prizes in medicine and pharmacology. Following a residency in paediatrics at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, he moved to Canada where he completed specialist fellowship training in paediatric critical care medicine and clinical pharmacology. He completed his doctorate in clinical epidemiology in 2005, on the subject of patient safety.
He was appointed as a Staff physician in the Department of Critical Care Medicine in The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in 2003, and is a senior scientist in Child Health Evaluative Sciences in the SickKids Research Institute. In addition to formal training in systems of healthcare delivery, he has expertise in cardiac arrest prevention, medication safety and fatigue in healthcare professionals. He has received over CAD$9 million in peer-reviewed research funding from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
J Alstan Jakubiec
Professor, University of Toronto, Canada
J Alstan Jakubiec is an Assistant professor at the University of Toronto where he focuses his efforts on the design of the built environment with an emphasis on wellbeing, comfort, environmental performance and low-energy design strategies. He holds Bachelor’s (Georgia Institute of Technology) and Master’s (University of Pennsylvania) degrees in architecture and a PhD in Building Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Alstan specialises in building performance simulation (daylight, energy) and post-occupancy evaluations and environmental measurements. He believes that through data-driven processes, designers can create comfortable built environments that will support social interaction, require less energy and last longer before being rased. Alstan co-creates the popular ClimateStudio and ALFA tools for calculating the daylighting and energy performance of buildings and actively develops new software tools as part of his research. He also co-founded Mapdwell, a technology company dedicated to providing information to homeowners about the renewable energy potential of their rooftops.
At U of T, Alstan publishes extensively on data-supported design through building performance simulation, environmental measurements, and subjective occupant experience. He teaches courses in building performance simulation, daylighting, multi-disciplinary sustainability issues, building lifecycle analysis and urban sustainability. Alstan is the head of the Design for Climate and Comfort Lab, where he works with his students to improve the comfort, wellbeing and energy efficiency of buildings and urban areas through data-driven processes. Alstan also runs the Spectral Materials Database, a web-database to enhance realism and accuracy in lighting simulations.
He is a member of the Wellbeing in the Built Environment research group at U of T where he collaborates on integrating social practice and environmental quality on improving the built environment for human participants. Alstan also serves as a voting member on the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Daylight Metrics Committee and is currently a guest editor for 'Lighting Research & Technology'.
J. Alstan Jakubiec
Professor, University of Toronto, Canada
J. Alstan Jakubiec is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, focusing on wellbeing, comfort, environmental performance, and low-energy design in the built environment. He holds Bachelor’s (Georgia Institute of Technology) and Master’s (University of Pennsylvania) and a PhD in Building Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Alstan specializes in building performance simulation (daylight, energy), post-occupancy evaluations and environmental measurements, advocating for data-driven design to create energy-efficient, comfortable, and long-lasting buildings. Alstan co-creates the ClimateStudio and ALFA tools for calculating the daylighting and energy performance of buildings and co-founded Mapdwell, a technology company dedicated to providing information to homeowners about the renewable energy potential of their rooftops.
At U of T, Alstan focuses on data-supported design through building performance simulation, environmental measurements, and subjective occupant experience. He teaches courses on building simulation, daylighting, sustainability, and lifecycle analysis. As head of the Design for Climate and Comfort Lab, he collaborates with students to improve building comfort, wellbeing, and energy efficiency. He also runs the Spectral Materials Database to enhance lighting simulation accuracy. Alstan is a member of the Wellbeing in the Built Environment research group and serves on the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Daylight Metrics Committee. He is currently a guest editor for Lighting Research & Technology.
Simulating daylight in urban ICUs: Critical evaluation of lighting performance metrics and standards
Abstract Copy
Natural lighting in intensive care units (ICUs) is essential for supporting patient recovery and ensuring comfortable, salutogenic environmental conditions. However, current standardised methods for assessing daylighting performance are often limited in healthcare settings. For example, current metrics and design criteria, such as those in the US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED standard, are primarily developed for office or commercial settings and may not adequately address the specific requirements of hospital environments. This limitation necessitates a closer examination of how common daylighting metrics align – or fail to align – with the demands of ICU environments, where precise visual performance, circadian entrainment and patient comfort are significant.ICUs present unique challenges in daylighting design and assessment – balancing sufficient lighting for medical assessments and procedures with minimal disruption to patient comfort and sleep quality. This study addresses these challenges by applying a simulation-based methodology to evaluate daylighting performance in ICUs with a focus on the unique visual and comfort needs of patients and staff.
Three Toronto hospitals were used as pilot sites for this research, which is part of a broader investigation into ICU rooms across ten ICUs. Detailed 3D models of ICU patient rooms were created for each hospital using photogrammetry and handheld LiDAR to accurately capture their formal characteristics. These models were subsequently calibrated with precise colorimetric material reflectance and transmittance properties and spectral irradiance measurements under both natural and artificial lighting conditions. This calibration ensured that the models closely represented the real-world lighting environments in the pilot ICUs. The calibrated models were then utilised in physics-based lighting simulation software to assess daylighting performance regarding lighting sufficiency and glare. Simulated results were evaluated across a range of lighting metrics, with comparisons conducted across hospitals to assess consistency and identify variations in lighting conditions.
The findings highlight issues, considerations and requirements to optimise lighting environments in ICUs, with an emphasis on metrics that accommodate the unique visual and comfort needs of healthcare environments. Results are expected to suggest that standard metrics, such as those in LEED, may not translate directly to ICU settings without risking compromises in patient comfort or staff functionality. This research proposes adjustments to ICU lighting criteria to better support occupant wellbeing and staff efficiency, aligning with the unique demands of healthcare environments. These adjustments include glare management through façade design, shade selection and operational strategies; consideration of ambient night lighting; and optimisation of daylight levels for circadian rhythm support and salutogenic outcomes.
Learning Objectives
- Optimisation
- Metrics
- Wellbeing
P34
Physical environment factors influencing falls among women during pregnancy
Ellie Nahirafee
Assistant professor, South Dakota State University, USA
Elnaz Nahirafee, PhD, is an Assistant professor of interior design at South Dakota State University. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Industrial Design from the Art University of Tabriz and IAU Tehran, Iran, respectively. She earned her PhD in Interior and Environmental Design and an MS in Environmental Design from Texas Tech University.
Dr. Nahirafee’s research explores healthcare design, behaviour-driven design and salutogenic design. Before transitioning to academia, she gained over five years of professional experience, holding senior interior design roles at renowned firms in Iran.
Debajyoti Pati
Professor, Rockwell Endowment Chair, Texas Tech University, USA
Dr. Debajyoti Pati is a Professor and Rockwell Endowment Chair in the Department of Design, Texas Tech University. He has published widely in the areas of health and healthcare design. He has been listed on the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List and twice voted among the 25 most influential people in healthcare design in the US. He is currently serving on the editorial board of HERD journal, and on the International Advisory Board of the Swiss Center for Design and Health, among others. He is a Fellow of the Indian Institute of Architects.
Physical environment factors influencing falls among women during pregnancy
Abstract Copy
Falls in pregnant women are as frequent as in the elderly population. However, little is known regarding aspects of the physical environment that induce falls in this population. The aim of this study was to examine how physical environment features and attributes influence loss of balance and falls among women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Adopting a qualitative approach situated within ecological and dynamic systems theories, the study aimed to uncover patterns in the interplay between behaviours, intrinsic risk factors and physical environment features related to falls. Data were collected through weekly interviews with 13 pregnant women in their third trimester, exploring real-world incidents of falls and near falls within their home environments.Findings revealed distinct sequences of affordances, encompassing applicable affordances to execute behaviours, dysfunctional affordances contributing to imbalance and affordances used to prevent falls. The study also identified patterns linking specific behaviours (such as putting on shoes and clothes, working in the kitchen, rising from furniture and bed, carrying a child, descending stairs, entering a bathtub and walking on a slippery floor while wearing socks) to fall risks. Environmental characteristics such as low light levels, cluttered areas, wet flooring, low furniture and toilet seat heights, and the lack of sturdy, fixed supports further contributed to the risk of falls.
While intrinsic factors could not be altered, modifications to create safer residential spaces are proposed, including closed furniture layouts, adequate and accessible lighting and the inclusion of supportive features. This research also provides valuable suggestions for product designers to develop safer and more ergonomic household items, as well as for caregivers to better assist pregnant women in minimising fall risks.
The research contributes to an enriched understanding of falls as complex systemic events shaped by multiple interacting constraints. It offers a foundation for future hypothesis testing as well as insights to guide the design of environments tailored to this population’s needs. Limitations are the potential for recall bias and limited generalisability. This study makes essential theoretical and practical contributions regarding falls among women in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding fall risks in pregnant women
- Exploring interactions between fall risk factors
- Establishing a foundation for future research
P35
Designing with compassion: Principles for trauma-informed healthcare environments
Chloe Piper
PhD candidate, Deakin University, Australia
Chloe graduated from Deakin University with a Master of Architecture in early 2011. Subsequently, she gained four years of experience with prominent architectural firms in Melbourne, contributing to various local and international projects. After completing Part III of the AACA Architectural Practice Examination, she pursued opportunities in London and Chile to expand her expertise across diverse projects, including cultural, educational, health, office, residential and mixed-use developments.
Upon returning home (and inspired by some compelling literature), she decided to explore some of the 'how' and 'why' we are intrinsically a part of – and influenced by – our surrounding environments.
Drawing on new understandings of wellbeing and the interrelationship between mind, brain and body, her PhD research investigates how knowledge derived from scientific findings can be utilised to inform the design of architectural and built spaces that are sensitive to the impacts and effects of trauma, and responsive to the needs of individuals in recovery.
Designing with compassion: Principles for trauma-informed healthcare environments
Abstract Copy
A 'trauma-informed' approach to care and practice within health and social services is gaining momentum as awareness grows of the pervasive nature of trauma and its prevalence within society. Trauma can exist at an individual, intergenerational, transgenerational and sociocultural level, and has significant detrimental impacts when left unresolved. However, a corresponding 'trauma-informed' approach to design is nascent. This gap exists despite the acknowledged influence of physical environments on health outcomes. The literature highlights the risk that designing environments without considering the needs of people experiencing trauma may inadvertently result in buildings that contribute to or perpetuate trauma. Originally developed in the context of homelessness, trauma-informed design has since been applied to housing for vulnerable populations, female correctional facilities, residential treatment centres for children and schools. Recently, the concept of trauma-informed neighbourhoods has also emerged.This study examines existing healthcare built-environment research to identify themes and aspects that correspond to trauma-informed design approaches and their six fundamental human needs principles: 1) dignity and self-esteem; 2) empowerment and personal control; 3) security, privacy and personal space; 4) stress management and coping; 5) sense of community; and, 6) beauty and meaning.
The research team previously developed a conceptual framework to provide a holistic understanding of health and healing in the context of trauma. This framework synthesised a salutogenic perspective of health with insights from neurological and interpersonal neurobiological perspectives. The framework was then applied to a review of existing trauma-informed design literature in a previous study. Building on these foundations, this study examines literature at the intersection of health, healing and design through these combined lenses to further explore trauma-responsive spaces.
Derived from scientific findings and situated within a salutogenic paradigm, this investigation identifies design dimensions within healthcare environments that are sensitive to the impacts of trauma and responsive to the needs of individuals in recovery.
Grounded in salutogenic theory and informed by scientific insights into the mind-brain-body connection, the findings contribute to the limited body of trauma-informed design literature, and provide a platform for both practice and future research on the design of healthcare-built environments intended to support healing and recovery from trauma. Design dimensions are identified in healthcare environments that address the effects of trauma and cater to the needs of individuals on their path to recovery.
Learning Objectives
- To understand how the principles of trauma-informed design apply to healthcare environments
- To explore the interplay between trauma, healing and design
- To identify trauma-responsive design dimensions in healthcare
P36
Human-scale interventions: A case study of dignity, wellbeing and belonging in a dementia-enabling environment in metropolitan Melbourne
Natalie Pitt
Director, Studio STH, Australia
Natalie is an architect, specialist health facility planner and Director at Studio STH. Well regarded across the industry with a professional approach to delivery, Natalie’s active involvement across all design phases has created high-quality healthcare architecture. A tenacious approach to project delivery combined with an extensive knowledge of current healthcare, aged care and healthcare trends has produced innovative and high-quality solutions in the healthcare sector in Australia and internationally.
Particular areas of expertise include:
• healthcare architecture;
• innovation in psychiatric care design;
• facility planning for acute and sub-acute healthcare;
• client briefing;
• master planning, feasibility studies and business cases;
• healthcare projects ranging from community hospitals and free-standing medical centres to large tertiary teaching hospitals and specialist centres;
• international expertise, including Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand.
Natalie particularly enjoys mentoring emerging architects, and generously shares her knowledge and expertise with others to support future success. There are many graduate architects across Australia and Internationally who have benefited from Natalie’s guidance.
Natalie’s 27 years of experience includes briefing, design, facility planning and co-ordination of projects with complex requirements. Her comprehensive skill base, precise attention to detail and engaging stakeholder communications ensure continuity and commitment throughout all stages of the design journey.
Anna Fox
Principal, Studio STH, Australia
Anna is a highly accomplished Principal and Architect. Throughout her 15-year career at Studio STH, Anna has relished the challenge of working in the health care sector. Her knowledge of functional planning and specific health care requirements is derived from projects in Canada, Singapore, New Zealand and across Australia in both the public and private sector.
Working predominately within health architecture, including acute hospitals, rehabilitation, mental health and residential aged care, Anna is inspired by a desire to create spaces to better support healing and enhance wellbeing amongst its occupants.
She thoroughly enjoys the collaborative approach to design and is constantly striving to enhance her knowledge and improve design outcomes. Working across all stages from master planning through to design and delivery, Anna is a keen problem solver and is well versed navigating complex project briefs, resolving project issues with key stakeholders and formulating innovative functional and design solutions.
Ripeka Walker
Doctoral candidate, The University of Melbourne, Australia
Registered since 2009, Ripeka is a practising architect specialising in the delivery of public buildings. Her built work spans the justice, adult education, community and health sectors. Ripeka’s enduring research interest lies in the civic realm as a communication field. In 2021, Ripeka commenced a Doctor of Philosophy (by research) at the University of Melbourne. Her scholarly contribution comes at the nexus of theory and practice in a time of superdiversity and ecological reckoning.
Human-scale interventions: A case study of dignity, wellbeing and belonging in a dementia-enabling environment in metropolitan Melbourne
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In Victoria, Australia, 100,000 people live with dementia – a number expected to double by 2040. There is a sociocultural shift towards personal responsibility for health in the Australian context. These two factors have informed recent aged-care residential design policy. Dementia-enabling environments that support identity and dignity for residents, person-centred models of care, and renewal and expansion of underutilised estates inform design in metropolitan Melbourne.Meanwhile, amid global carbon reduction initiatives there is growing recognition that a deterministic approach of perfect correspondence between present need and built form risks obsolescence due to unknown (and unknowable) future contexts. With the rising prevalence of dementia, it is timely to reconsider ‘perfectly fit’ aged care within a wellbeing and ecosystem paradigm.
Research has found that cognitive ramps of dementia-enabling environments – achieved through personalisation, colour and artwork – are an important way for residents to develop (and maintain) their sense of belonging. This is recognised to benefit therapeutic outcomes and behaviour management by lowering agitation, disorientation and anxiety. While previous research explored the impact of art styles and colours, this study focuses on how the interaction of interior design elements can enhance residents' dignity by aiding orientation and wayfinding.
The case study takes a partnered approach between Studio STH (architects), Eastern Health (operator), the Victorian Health Building Authority and the peak-body, Dementia Australia. Murrenda Home (opened in 2022) is a four-level, 120-bed residential aged care development, which incorporates a small-household model of 15-bed clusters.
The project offers insight to estate planning as three disparate and geographically separate facilities are brought together into a vertical arrangement. A linkway to an existing 64-bed facility (opened in 2007) invites discussion of whole-of-life carbon of two paradigms on a single site: the new-build vertical volume and the retained single-level form. The outcome of this research is delivery of a human-scale environment that implements dementia-enabling guidelines: artwork as landmark, colour as tool for navigation and personalisation of memory boxes and household doors. These interventions are design at the human scale: they are adaptive and humanistic.
This research demonstrates that small but impactful interventions offer a way to challenge the ‘perfectly fit’ building. It indicates that personalisation is a factor for design practice to consider more fully. In addition, preventative care and social wellbeing is recognised through inclusion of a hair salon, sensory rooms, bowling green, therapy and community spaces. The next step is to consider exterior ‘human-scale’ interventions that are similarly adaptive.
Learning Objectives
- Artwork as a means of evoking curiosity and a sense of belonging
- Artwork as a tool to assist with wayfinding and orientation
- Design interventions contributing to a human-scale environment
P37
Predicting the impact of electric lighting operations and levels in ICU rooms on quality of care and patient wellbeing
Nazanin Ganjehzadeh
PhD student, University of Toronto, Canada
Nazanin Ganjehzadeh is a PhD pre-candidate in Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the University of Toronto. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Hakim Sabzevari University and a Master’s degree in Architectural Technology and Computational Design from Pars University of Art and Architecture. Nazanin is passionate about the relationship between architectural design and human wellbeing. Her research focuses on examining the impact of light on health, sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. Utilising sensor-based and simulation technology, her work aims to understand how daily light exposure affects mood, cognitive performance and overall health. Her research evaluates existing lighting standards through the lens of daily life by understanding how real-world conditions interact with human wellbeing.
J. Alstan Jakubiec
Professor, University of Toronto, Canada
J. Alstan Jakubiec is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, focusing on wellbeing, comfort, environmental performance, and low-energy design in the built environment. He holds Bachelor’s (Georgia Institute of Technology) and Master’s (University of Pennsylvania) and a PhD in Building Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Alstan specializes in building performance simulation (daylight, energy), post-occupancy evaluations and environmental measurements, advocating for data-driven design to create energy-efficient, comfortable, and long-lasting buildings. Alstan co-creates the ClimateStudio and ALFA tools for calculating the daylighting and energy performance of buildings and co-founded Mapdwell, a technology company dedicated to providing information to homeowners about the renewable energy potential of their rooftops.
At U of T, Alstan focuses on data-supported design through building performance simulation, environmental measurements, and subjective occupant experience. He teaches courses on building simulation, daylighting, sustainability, and lifecycle analysis. As head of the Design for Climate and Comfort Lab, he collaborates with students to improve building comfort, wellbeing, and energy efficiency. He also runs the Spectral Materials Database to enhance lighting simulation accuracy. Alstan is a member of the Wellbeing in the Built Environment research group and serves on the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Daylight Metrics Committee. He is currently a guest editor for Lighting Research & Technology.
Christopher Parshuram
Staff physician, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Canada
Christopher Parshuram graduated from Otago University of New Zealand in 1990, with prizes in medicine and pharmacology. Following a residency in paediatrics at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, he moved to Canada where he completed specialist fellowship training in paediatric critical care medicine and clinical pharmacology. He completed his doctorate in clinical epidemiology in 2005, on the subject of patient safety.
He was appointed as a Staff physician in the Department of Critical Care Medicine in The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in 2003, and is a senior scientist in Child Health Evaluative Sciences in the SickKids Research Institute. In addition to formal training in systems of healthcare delivery, he has expertise in cardiac arrest prevention, medication safety and fatigue in healthcare professionals. He has received over CAD$9 million in peer-reviewed research funding from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Predicting the impact of electric lighting operations and levels in ICU rooms on quality of care and patient wellbeing
Abstract Copy
Intensive care unit (ICU) rooms play a critical role in patient recovery and staff performance, yet their complex lighting environments often fall short in meeting the diverse needs of occupants and caregivers. The interplay of medical, psychological and operational demands creates unique challenges, particularly when balancing clinical functionality with human-centric considerations. While previous studies have emphasised the clinical design of ICUs, the impact of electric lighting – specifically its spectral properties, visibility and operational dynamics on the health and wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors – remains underexplored. This study bridges this gap by investigating electric lighting conditions and their operational characteristics in ICU rooms across three Toronto hospitals, using the results to predict occupant experiences and healthcare outcomes based on photobiological and light perception research.Using high dynamic range (HDR) imaging and spectrally-specific lighting colour measurements, we capture lighting conditions from key perspectives: patient beds, staff workstations and bedside views. Data is collected across various ICU room designs, encompassing varied lighting configurations and operational characteristics, including room layouts and light switch locations. Images are obtained under different lighting scenarios to account for realistic conditions. Spectral irradiance measurements quantify light intensity and distribution, focusing on their effects on circadian entrainment, visual comfort, colour perception and visibility. The combination of HDR imaging and spectral analysis ensures subtle lighting variations influencing circadian health, stress and recovery outcomes are thoroughly evaluated. Metrics such as glare, uniformity and illuminance levels are analysed to understand their effects on occupants’ visual experiences, task performance and wellbeing.
Preliminary findings indicate that current lighting configurations may inadequately support circadian health for patients and alertness for staff during extended shifts. From a patient care perspective, bedside views reveal critical variations in lighting characteristics such as colour rendering, contrast and glare, directly affecting care quality (visibility, colour perception) and the patient experience (circadian health, ambience). These results underscore the importance of tailored lighting strategies that address ICU occupants’ distinct needs and support healthcare outcomes.
This study is part of a broader investigation of ICU rooms across ten ICUs in Toronto. It establishes a framework for analysing ICU lighting using a combination of empirical measurements and simulations. By focusing on different ICU room types within three hospitals, this study refines the approach and generates insights applicable to diverse critical care environments. The findings emphasise the need for lighting strategies that support patient recovery, staff efficiency and overall wellbeing.
Learning Objectives
- ICU lighting performance
- Occupant health and wellbeing
- Circadian health in ICUs
P38
Building the healthcare ecosystem: Leading digital transformation through an online community of medical professionals
Yaara Welcman
Researcher, The University of Cambridge, UK/Israel
Dr. Yaara Welcman is a researcher interested in digital transformation, healthcare innovation and artificial intelligence, focusing on their impact on the labour market. Her doctoral research examined trading floors and algorithmic trading, exploring how these technologies reshape the profession of traders and introduce new dimensions of uncertainty. In her broader academic work, she investigates the adoption of emerging technologies and the collective response to technological change. She is particularly interested in the dynamics of technology implementation and its societal implications, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with innovation. Currently, she is part of the research team at the Cambridge Digital Innovation Centre at the University of Cambridge. Her work focuses on 'the hospital of the future', where she explores innovative models in the healthcare sector to address the evolving demands of the healthcare systems.
Eivor Oborn
Professor of healthcare management, The University of Warwick, UK
Prof Eivor Oborn is a Professor of healthcare management in the area of innovation and organisational change at Warwick Business School, UK. She earned her PhD at Cambridge Judge Business School, the University of Cambridge in 2006, and is currently an honorary Fellow at Cambridge Judge Business School and Fellow at the Cambridge Digital Innovation Centre (CDI). Eivor is Senior editor at Information Systems Research and has published work in leading journals, including 'Academy of Management' Journal, 'Organization Science', 'Information Systems Research' and 'MIS Quarterly'. Her scholarship has won numerous awards including best published paper from the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) and Academy of Management (AOM). Her research interests span the fields of healthcare, online communities, digital innovation and ICTs, as well as entrepreneurship in ecosystem contexts. She teaches in the area of change management, strategic health leadership and corporate entrepreneurship.
Michael Barrett
Professor of information systems and innovation studies, The University of Cambridge, UK
Prof Michael Barrett is a Professor of information systems and innovation studies, Vice dean for strategy and university engagement at Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS), Fellow of Hughes Hall, Director of Cambridge Digital Innovation, and a Distinguished visiting professor of innovation at the Stockholm School of Economics. He is published in many top-tier IS (information systems) and organisation journals, and has won several best paper awards at EGOS and the Academy of Management (AOM) and award-winning teaching cases. He is the Editor-in-chief of the 'Information and Organization' journal and is on the Advisory Board of the 'Journal of the Association of Information Systems'. He has contributed to articles in 'The Economist', 'The Times' and 'The Financial Post', and has served as an external examiner at Oxford University, the University of Edinburgh and the London School of Economics. Professor Barrett has served as a stream research lead for the Centre for Digital Built Britain, on the Steering Board of the Cambridge Service Alliance and as a member of the Management Executive Group of the knowledge translation research group Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC).
Nirit Pilosof
Head of research in innovation and transformation, Sheba Medical Center; Faculty member, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Nirit Pilosof, PhD, is an architect and researcher exploring the intersection of healthcare, technology and architecture. She is a Faculty member at the Coller School of Management, Tel Aviv University, and an Associate of Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS) at the University of Cambridge in the UK. She is also Head of research in healthcare transformation at Sheba Medical Center, a Fellow of Cambridge Digital Innovation (CDI) at the University of Cambridge, and the Executive Member of Israel at the International Union of Architects (UIA) Public Health Group.
Dr Pilosof holds a PhD from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, a Post-Professional MArch from McGill University, and an Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) from the Center for Health Design in the USA. She gained experience in the design process of major medical facilities as a project manager at leading architecture firms in Israel and Canada and won international awards, including the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA) Academy of Architects for Health Award, the American Hospital Association (AHA) graduate fellowship, the McGill graduate fellowship and the Azrieli Foundation fellowship.
Building the healthcare ecosystem: Leading digital transformation through an online community of medical professionals
Abstract Copy
Transformations in digital health hold the potential to manage healthcare challenges by adopting an ecosystem approach. The opportunity to redesign healthcare services using technologies, such as telemedicine, robotics and AI systems, requires a collaborative effort to connect disciplines, organisations and industries, overcoming resistance to change and structural boundaries. An example of a collaborative model is the Digital Health Community, established by the Israel Ministry of Health in 2020 to manage the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the uptake of remote care. The professional online community (OC), which includes over 1,200 medical professionals from diverse disciplines and organisations across the healthcare system, has become a platform for leading digital transformation.In a qualitative study, we investigated the OC organisation and work practices and explored their impact on the healthcare ecosystem during and after the crisis. Based on interviews with the OC members, observations of their activities and documentation of outcomes, we studied the collaborative effort of healthcare professionals in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies to redesign healthcare.
Our findings illustrate how the OC webinars and WhatsApp groups supported knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation. Starting with professional working groups, they developed guidelines and simulation training for remote care. The OC later evolved into multidisciplinary mission task groups, a research club, service design workshops and an accelerator programme to support innovative teams. Their activities led to new models of care, professional guidelines and regulation change while fostering a network of medical professionals nationwide. Over the years, the OC shifted from focusing only on telemedicine to broader digital health transformation, aiming to facilitate a resilient, inclusive and innovative healthcare ecosystem.
The study demonstrates how the Digital Health Community provided the Ministry of Health a strategic platform to connect with working professionals in all healthcare organisations. By challenging existing notions of professional identity, the OC facilitated multidisciplinary collaboration, cross-organisational boundaries and entrepreneurship, fostering leadership in healthcare transformation and overcoming professional resistance to change. The study indicates the potential of online communities as incubators for future-oriented healthcare design and reform, where grassroots innovations can be scaled nationally to address challenges such as workforce shortages and healthcare inequalities. It highlights the need for new governance models, merging top-down and bottom-up involvement and leadership, moving from hierarchical structures to network structures across professions and organisations, and diffusing innovation and transformation to diverse stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem.
Learning Objectives
- The potential of an online community to provide a platform for collaboration and innovation
- New governance models to connect with professionals and develop leadership
- Ways to overcome resistance to change by shifting professional identity
P39
Co-designed personalised reusable theatre caps: Enhancing sustainability, communication, identification and comfort
Paul Rodgers
Professor of design, University of Strathclyde, UK
Paul A. Rodgers is Professor of design at the University of Strathclyde, Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management (DMEM). Prior to joining the University of Strathclyde, he held professorial positions at Imagination, Lancaster University and Northumbria University School of Design. Earlier, he was Reader in design at Edinburgh Napier University and a Postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Cambridge’s Engineering Design Centre. He has over 25 years of experience in product design research and is the author of more than 170 papers and 16 books, including 'The Routledge Companion to Design Research' (1st and 2nd editions). His books have been translated into several languages, including Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Taiwanese. His current research interests explore the discipline of design and how disruptive design interventions can enact positive change in health and social care and elsewhere. He is the Principal investigator of Design HOPES – an AHRC-funded Green Transition Ecosystems Hub.
Euan Winton
Assistant professor of design, Heriot-Watt University, UK
Dr Euan Winton is an Assistant professor of design at Heriot-Watt University. Through 20 years of academic and professional practice he has imbedded collaborative practices to generate designs to empower users and to transform situations encompassing health and wellbeing, public services and environments. His research looks at the opportunities afforded to ordinary people when they work with designers, design approaches and techniques. This practice, often referred to as co-design or co-creation, has been utilised in the creation of lighting and artworks in urban environments, healthcare interventions, dementia support and care and debates around health and wellbeing.
Lucy Welsh
Research associate and Senior workshop technician, Heriot-Watt University, UK
Lucy Welsh is a Research associate at Heriot-Watt University's School of Textiles and Design. Her current research interests include investigating alternative design-led approaches to reducing waste during garment design and production in educational and commercial environments. For almost 20 years, Lucy has been teaching fashion and textile design students all aspects of garment construction and manufacture. She aims to provide students with the skills to influence future industry practices through sustainable considerations to design, materials and manufacturing methods with the end of product use in mind. Lucy has also developed patterns and prototypes for several successful innovative start-up businesses across the UK. As an early career researcher (ECR), Lucy has been collaborating with partners from Heriot-Watt University, the University of Strathclyde and NHS Scotland to create innovative reusable theatre caps made from cellulosic materials as part of the larger AHRC-funded Design HOPES project.
Co-designed personalised reusable theatre caps: Enhancing sustainability, communication, identification and comfort
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Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. The challenges we face, however, present an incredible opportunity to do things differently – to adopt innovative, design-led approaches that will transform NHS Scotland’s health and social care ecosystem. This paper presents research that unites a wide range of disciplines, research organisations, regional and local industry, and other public sector stakeholders. Design HOPES, one of four Green Transition Ecosystem (GTE) Hubs funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (UK), embeds in designing, making and acting through circularity principles, to drive sustainability and change across products and services, strategy, policy and social influence to evolve design outcomes that will matter most to people and planet.Design HOPES encompasses a rich disciplinary mix of knowledge, skills and expertise from a range of design disciplines (i.e. product, textile, interaction, games, architecture, etc.) and other disciplines (computer science, health and wellbeing, geography, engineering, etc.) that is focused on people and planet, from the micro to macro, from root cause to hopeful vision, from the present to future, and from the personal to massive populations. Design HOPES’ work involves designing and making things and testing them to see how they work driving further iteration of ideas and resolutions.
This paper describes one specific Design HOPES project that aims to eliminate the dependency on single-use, disposable theatre caps while addressing communication barriers and misidentification issues among NHS Scotland staff. Working closely with NHS Golden Jubilee theatre staff, the authors have co-designed a diverse range of options for reducing theatre cap waste (hundreds of thousands of single-use theatre caps are disposed of every year across NHS Scotland hospitals). The co-designed reusable theatre caps propose and test new material considerations, driving far greener practices while delivering better fitting, more comfortable garments.
The paper highlights that there is much that can be done to improve textile and other material products across NHS Scotland. Furthermore, the paper shares one of many creative approaches Design HOPES is taking to transform a range of NHS Scotland products and services. The co-designed personalised reusable theatre caps paper outlines a series of co-design workshops in NHS Scotland settings that empower people to define problems and to actively inform solutions by hacking, making and testing possibilities. The paper presents also presents a holistic approach to the design and development of an innovative piece of theatre staff uniform with significant environmental credentials.
Learning Objectives
- We wish to present our design-led work to a wider healthcare audience
- We wish to learn more about the choices healthcare practitioners make in the products and services they use on a daily basis
P40
The ‘Nature + Nurture’ concept in healthcare
Milos Petkovic
Project co-ordinator, NettletonTribe, Australia
Milos Petkovic is a senior architectural technologist at NettletonTribe, who focuses on [Nature + Nurture] integrated design principles in healthcare architecture that not only enhance occupant wellbeing but also deliver value through holistic human-centred design.
The ‘Nature + Nurture’ concept in healthcare
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The 'Nature + Nurture' concept in healthcare projects integrates biophilic design principles and evidence-based strategies to enhance patient and staff wellbeing. This approach delivers functional, iconic, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing projects.Based on recently completed project studies, central to the architectural design is the visual connection to the body and nature, as nature symbolises growth and healing. Research shows that natural light not only accelerates patient recovery but also enhances the wellbeing of healthcare professionals. Green design elements contribute to 15 per cent faster recovery rates, a 22 per cent decrease in pain medication usage, an 11 per cent reduction in secondary infections and an 8 per cent reduction in hospital stays. Over 92 per cent of bedded areas offer external views, complemented by a day-lit atrium.
We embarked on creating specialist hospitals dedicated to complex head and neck, spinal and vascular surgery, integrating sustainability principles to enhance healing. Traditional hospitals often have high carbon emissions due to their significant energy and water consumption. Our goal was to develop a sustainable healthcare facility that prioritises the wellbeing of patients and staff while supporting the environment and its communities.
Learning Objectives
- Integrate biophilic design principles
- Showcase human-focused applied design principles, scale and circulation
- Integrate evidence-based strategies to enhance patient and staff wellbeing
P41
Unpicking a decade of transformation in healthcare
Matthew Blair
Principal, BVN, UK
Matthew is an architect, technologist and Principal at BVN, acknowledged for his cross-sector expertise and his ability to apply current and novel technologies and future of work knowledge to redefine spaces across industries such as health, education and science. With a career spanning Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, North America and the UK, Matthew now leads BVN’s UK Studio, bringing a global perspective to his work. Passionate about driving change, Matthew also steers many of BVN’s transformational and innovation initiatives, collaborating with universities, start-ups and other architectural practices to expand the boundaries of what architecture can achieve. His work reflects a deep understanding of how insights from workplace design can inform and enhance other sectors, from healthcare to life sciences, creating environments that foster collaboration, adaptability and human connection.
Neil Logan
Co-CEO and Principal, BVN, Australia
Neil brings a breadth of large-project experience across the UK, Australia, and Asia to his role as Co-CEO and Principal at BVN. He is steadfast in his mission to embed regenerative practices into the core of BVN’s work across all sectors, delivering changes in how we work – his leadership ensures sustainability is not just a goal but an implicit part of the studio's approach. Neil is committed to driving innovation within the design process, collaborating with clients, communities and stakeholders to uncover unique, forward-thinking solutions to long-standing challenges. Renowned for his expertise in design management, he has successfully delivered large-scale, technically complex hospital projects, inspiring confidence in his ability to align and elevate the contributions of diverse, multidisciplinary teams. Under Neil's joint leadership, BVN strives to set benchmarks in health design and sustainability, shaping a more resilient future.
Unpicking a decade of transformation in healthcare
Abstract Copy
Over the past decade, healthcare and healthcare design in Australia has undergone a remarkable transformation. This presentation reflects on the design and delivery of ten hospitals in BVN’s portfolio over this period, highlighting the interplay between practical experience, authentic engagement and the balance and evolution of the Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFGs). By examining projects, we will explore how lessons learned have informed not only individual outcomes but also the broader framework guiding healthcare infrastructure development.Each hospital tells a unique story, shaped by its location, community needs and clinical ambitions. While the AusHFGs provide a robust foundation for consistent, high-quality healthcare environments, their application often requires careful localisation to meet the distinct requirements of diverse briefs. These adaptations range from considerations of cultural context and patient demographics to the specific demands of regional and urban settings.
Key themes of the presentation will include:
• authentic engagement: collaborative approaches to co-design with clinicians, patients and communities, ensuring responsive and inclusive outcomes;
• innovation in delivery and procurement: strategies for balancing speed and quality in project execution, from early planning to handover;
• resilience and adaptability: how design solutions anticipate future needs, from technological advancements and spatial expansion to sustainability goals.
Some of the projects shared will include:
• Northern Beaches, through the lens of holistic integration of services and a public/private model on a greenfield site;
• Nepean, through the lens of mental health by design and reimagining of a vertical hospital campus;
• St Vincent’s, through the lens of connecting to research, rehabilitation and recovery within the confines of an inner city campus;
• Canberra Hospital, through the lens of sustainability and future-proofing for expansion.
This retrospective examines how iterative improvements in design and process, informed by real-world challenges, have strengthened the profession’s ability to deliver innovative, patient-centred facilities. Attendees will gain insights into how these frameworks and practices can continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of healthcare systems around the world.
Learning Objectives
- Analysis of the adaptation of the Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFGs) in diverse project contexts
- Application of lessons in sustainability and future-proofing in hospital design
- Examination of collaborative co-design practices in healthcare infrastructure
P42
Student participation in hospital post-occupancy research projects: The why and how
Liesbeth van Heel
Senior policy advisor and Researcher, Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC), The Netherlands
Trained in facility management and business economics, Liesbeth van Heel joined Erasmus MC in 1992. She worked in the facilities management department, was an administrator for the department of paediatric surgery and served on the the Executive Board's staff, before joining the hospital's redevelopment project management team in 2001. After years of working as the university hospital real estate professional, leading a small team of experts (PMO), her focus shifted to co-ordinating the alignment of the various strategic programmes within Erasmus MC toward a safe relocation in May 2018 in the new hospital building, with suitable work processes, logistics and IT support.
She is a Board member of the European Health Property Network (EuHPN). She co-coordinated the scientific programme evaluation of Our New Erasmus MC (PE-ONE, between 2017 and 2023), which focused on infection prevention, experiences with wards with 100 per cent single rooms and stakeholder engagement. Currently, she combines her PhD work with her role as Senior advisor within the Strategy Team of Erasmus MC's Real Estate Directorate.
Jelle Koolwijk
Researcher, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
Jelle Koolwijk is a researcher dedicated to improving collaboration and process innovation in the construction industry. With a PhD from TU Delft, his expertise lies in understanding inter-organisational structures, their influence on human behaviour, and how individuals shape and utilise these frameworks. His research emphasises creating smarter, more efficient construction practices to address the sector's growing complexity and labour shortages.
Jelle has a rich background in research, including his involvement in NWO-funded projects such as VR-Renovate and uVital, which leverage virtual reality to improve tenant communication and prevent supply chain disruptions. As an action researcher, he plays a key role in fostering long-term strategic partnerships between housing corporations and specialsed contractors, focusing on programme management and collaborative practices. Furthermore, his broad interests include the impact of building design on the wellbeing of staff and patients in academic hospitals.
A recipient of the prestigious 2021 RISE Award, Jelle's publications have been recognised at international conferences and in leading journals. He is also the author of books on project alliances and supplier management. Beyond academia, his international experience includes research in Australia on project alliances and innovation training at Harvard Design School. His professional background spans project development, tender management and governance roles in the construction industry.
Clarine van Oel
Associate professor, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
Clarine van Oel is an environmental psychologist and Associate professor in the Department of Management in the Built Environment, TU Delft. Her research focuses on how visualisations of buildings, spaces and places facilitate communication between professionals and lay users, like residents and patients. Visual tools, such as virtual reality (VR), act as boundary objects (BOs) that bridge diverse stakeholder perspectives during participatory design and decision-making processes.
She leads two NWO projects exploring VR’s potential to empower social housing tenants during sustainable renovations. In uVital, VR modules were developed to enhance tenant engagement in collaboration with Acantus and international partners. VR-Renovate complemented this by refining VR tools for immersive visualisation and feedback. Both projects are now nearing completion.
Clarine co-founded the Health@BK graduation lab, where students work with care providers to explore patient-centred healthcare design. She also collaborates with Erasmus MC to replicate Ulrich’s (1984) study on the benefits of greenery views for patients, leveraging the hospital’s roof gardens.
With over 15 years of experience in public health and psychiatry, Clarine’s interdisciplinary expertise enriches her work at the intersection of environmental psychology and the built environment.
Maja Kevdzija
Assistant professor in healthcare design, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Austria
Dr-Ing Maja Kevdzija, EDAC is an Assistant professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at TU Wien, Austria, in the field of healthcare design. She has extensive experience in conducting empirical research, using the mixed-methods approach (observation, shadowing, interview) in close contact with vulnerable populations in healthcare environments, and in teaching research methods examining the relationship between the built environment and its users. Her research on mobility-supporting rehabilitation centres for stroke patients was awarded multiple awards, most notably the Healthcare Environment Award 2020 (USA), the 2021 European Healthcare Design Award in the 'Design Research' category (UK), and the 2021 EDRA Certificate of Research Excellence (CORE) with Merit Status (USA).
Auke Brugmans
Lecturer and researcher, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
Auke Brugmans has been a Senior lecturer at the Institute of Built Environment in the Department of Real Estate Management at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences since 2016. She is also a researcher in the research group for development and transition management at the Centre of Expertise HRTech. The combination of lecturer and researcher enables her to connect education and research directly and brings more than 20 years of experience to practice. Auke is energetic and creative and loves to bring people from different backgrounds and expertise together. Auke worked from 1997 to 2016 in various commercial companies in the field of real estate. In addition, she held various positions abroad (2001 to 2007). In 2016, she made the switch to higher education. Auke teaches in the field of urban development and scaling futures and supervises students in the Urban Lab Erasmus MC and in multidisciplinary projects.
Harry van Goor
Professor of surgical education, Radboudumc, Netherlands
Harry van Goor, MD, PhD, FRCS is a Professor of surgical education and innovator at the Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc). He leads several technology tracks in the ‘less bricks, more bytes, different behaviour’ programme to improve the care and wellbeing of patients and healthcare workers in and outside the hospital, including intuitive personalised wayfinding, continuous monitoring with wearable devices and predictive analytics, VR therapy and VR education, ambient intelligence and personalised healing environments in the hospital and at home. He runs a project of home-facilitated VR (p)rehabilitation (e.g. long-Covid rehab) and VR4Pain management in a virtually connected care solution.
Harry has published over 400 peer-reviewed papers in a broad field of surgical care, medical device development and digital technology-supported care innovation. He coaches several start-up companies in the field of digital technology-supported healthcare and design in a ‘learning by doing’ and ‘digital by design’ way. Harry was awarded Digital Innovator of the Year 2022 in the Netherlands.
He is a Frank Lloyd Wright connoisseur, living with his wife in a FLW-designed Usonian house.
Margreet Vos
Professor of health-care related infections, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
Margreet C Vos studied at the Medical Faculty of Erasmus University Rotterdam from 1981 to 1988, graduating cum laude. Since 1995, she has been a staff member at Erasmus MC and, in 2012, was appointed Professor of healthcare-related infections in the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. She was the first keynote scientific interviewee for infection control and prevention at ESCMID Global 2024. For nearly 30 years, she has chaired Erasmus MC’s local infection committees. Her expertise and research in infection prevention informs hospital design programmes, ensuring safer healthcare environments and brings evidence-based design. She has delivered hundreds of invited lectures worldwide and authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on infection prevention and hospital-built environments. Her research examines hospital design’s impact on environmental contamination. She is an active member and chair of multiple committees developing infection prevention guidelines, including initiating a guideline on hospital environmental sampling for contamination detection.
Student participation in hospital post-occupancy research projects: The why and how
Abstract Copy
Published post-occupancy evaluation (POE) studies of new or renovated hospital environments are still rare. The need for an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex causality of the perceived performance of new environments that may affect ‘bricks, bytes and behaviour’, is just one barrier. Often hospital organisations lack opportunities to apply findings in future projects, and also lack the resources to conduct or guide research projects needed to close the evidence-based design cycle. Similarly, POE is not a subject being taught in architectural education.However, starting with a collaborative approach within a Dutch university medical centre (UMC), a network of collaborations with other UMCs, hospitals, universities and universities of applied science has been established recently. This innovative approach gets students, lecturers, researchers and practitioners to collaborate in order to expand the understanding of the interaction between the hospital built environment and its users. In this abstract, we explore the participation of Bachelor and Masters students in answering hospital-related POE research questions. The aim of the study is to present and reflect on how students have been involved in POE research projects for Dutch UMCs to better understand the potential of this resource, as well as looking at the preconditions to balance the interests of all stakeholders involved.
Hospitals provide case studies for student education in research methods. From 2018 onwards, students from different disciplines have contributed to POE research studies in Dutch UMCs, resulting in (Bachelor and Masters) graduation theses and (material for) scientific publications. The majority of the research projects concern qualitative research (interviews, observations), with the addition of some more quantitative survey studies. Students can contribute to data collection, analysis and presentation/dissemination as part of individual or group assignments.
Collaboration between lecturers, researchers and ‘boots on the ground’ in the UMCs is a prerequisite to successfully developing relevant research questions, organising interaction with hospital staff and offering proper tutoring of students during their research. While study results already provide value at the local level, the time and embeddedness of these kinds of research projects in a larger (potentially national) research effort seem to be serious constraints to publishing results in scientific papers.
Students may be a ‘hidden’ resource to conduct POE studies in all hospital settings. Understanding the need to facilitate education for non-medical/nursing professionals and a network of professionals with shared (research) interests enhances the chance that this resource can be deployed.
Learning Objectives
- How to engage students in POE studies in hospitals
- How to build collaborative networks with different stakeholders
- How to balance learning objectives for students with relevant research outcomes
P43
Entwining healthcare and nature: Utilising NHS Scotland greenspace for community and infrastructural care
Lewis Urquhart
Research associate, University of Strathclyde, UK
Dr Lewis Urquhart is a Research associate in the department of Design Manufacturing and Engineering Management at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. His research interests are wide, originally undertaking his doctorate exploring design emotion and ontologies of making and manufacturing. He has since undertaken work in a range of other areas including physical-digital interaction, virtual and augmented reality applications and design for rehabilitation, notably in the EU Horizon 2020 project PRIME-VR2. Lewis was the Research associate for the Arts and Humanities Research Council's (AHRC) Design Exchange Partnership project 'Visualisation and engagement toolkit for coastal erosion system', which created a visualisation tool using an adaptable physical prototype in conjunction with an augmented reality application.
Lewis is currently a researcher with the AHRC-funded project Design HOPES, led by Professor Paul Rodgers and Professor Mel Woods. One of the Green Transition Ecosystems Hubs, the project aims to tackle the critical sustainability challenges within NHS Scotland.
Laura MacLean
Research associate, University of Strathclyde, UK
Dr. Laura MacLean is a Research associate and Part 2 architect. Her PhD focused on architecture, urbanism and people-environment relationships. Currently, her research explores the reciprocal relationship between people and nature, emphasising the benefits derived from natural environments with a focus on health and wellbeing.
Laura joined the Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management (DMEM) department at Strathclyde following three years of post-doctoral experience as a social scientist. Her current role draws on her interdisciplinary background of architecture, design, social science and research to explore innovative solutions to translate health policies into actionable design solutions.
Paul Rodgers
Professor of design, University of Strathclyde, UK
Paul A. Rodgers is Professor of design at the University of Strathclyde, Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management (DMEM). Prior to joining the University of Strathclyde, he held professorial positions at Imagination, Lancaster University and Northumbria University School of Design. Earlier, he was Reader in design at Edinburgh Napier University and a Postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Cambridge’s Engineering Design Centre. He has over 25 years of experience in product design research and is the author of more than 170 papers and 16 books, including 'The Routledge Companion to Design Research' (1st and 2nd editions). His books have been translated into several languages, including Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Taiwanese. His current research interests explore the discipline of design and how disruptive design interventions can enact positive change in health and social care and elsewhere. He is the Principal investigator of Design HOPES – an AHRC-funded Green Transition Ecosystems Hub.
Andrew Wodehouse
Senior lecturer, University of Strathclyde, UK
Andrew Wodehouse is a Senior lecturer in the department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management at the University of Strathclyde. His research encompasses physical-digital interaction and creativity in the design process, and he has previously led a range of EU and UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) funded projects. To this end, he has investigated the use of human-centred design techniques and computational design to realise holistic product geometries, interfaces and experiences. He has collaborated with other disciplines such as drama, bioengineering, history and business to deliver new methods and approaches to support creativity in the design process. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the 'International Journal of Design Creativity and Innovation', Co-chair of the Design Society’s Special Interest Group in Design Creativity, and is a Chartered Technological Product Designer.
Sarah Bowyer
Energy, environment and sustainability officer (NHS Highland), NHS Scotland, UK
Dr Sarah Bowyer is an experienced dietitian nutritionist with a history of working in the public, private and third sector.
Niki Taylor
Teaching fellow and fashion activist, Edinburgh College of Art, UK
Niki is an educator in regenerative fashion and textiles, fashion activist and artist. She was a co-founder of Fashion Revolution Scotland in 2014. Her work centres around regenerative design, creating with zero waste through clothing commons, and creating value through nature-centred design thinking and creative practice.
She is a Lecturer in design at Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh University, a researcher in regenerative textile systems and a community workshop facilitator at Remode Youth and The Kings Foundation's Future Textiles Programme.
Entwining healthcare and nature: Utilising NHS Scotland greenspace for community and infrastructural care
Abstract Copy
Community growing is currently underdeveloped across NHS Scotland estates. While there are localised initiatives such as community gardens, comprehensive strategies that foster a strong connection between environmental health and human healthcare are lacking. It is widely recognised that time spent in nature benefits human health across various domains, including physical, cognitive and social wellbeing. There is little guidance on the duration and variety of nature engagement (Shanahan et al., 2016). Notable contributions from Cooper Marcus (1999; 2007) highlight the need for nature-based solutions to support human health. The outdoor environment is a prominent health enabler, making it crucial to explore the intersections between patients, hospital infrastructure and the wider communities hospitals reside in. This understanding is vital for addressing net-zero goals and integrating new healthcare paradigms.This paper introduces a model for integrating flax growing on NHS Scotland estates to enhance community wellbeing, achieve net-zero goals, increase biodiversity and develop regenerative infrastructure. Flax is a regenerative crop used to create linen and other products, such as seeds and oil, that can be grown on underused NHS greenspaces. This project, part of the £4.625 million Design HOPES Green Transition Ecosystem (GTE) Hub funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), aims to produce items like theatre scrubs and bed sheets for NHS use. By reimagining care delivery and sustainability in a circular production process, we can model interactions between NHS staff, patients and communities from a design-research perspective. Scotland alone has 278 hospital sites, many with land suitable for growing flax. Adopting a design-led approach, and the concept of therapeutic landscapes of wellbeing (Wood et al., 2013), we will explore how nature participation can be more closely integrated into healthcare settings to develop novel approaches to care and resource use.
Following Pretty’s (2004) trinity of viewing nature, being and participating in nature, we propose a model for preventative and therapeutic healthcare that makes productive use of NHS Scotland’s estates. This model focuses on growing, harvesting and processing flax as a community activity to promote social wellbeing. As the NHS already has several active policies to support sustainable and environmental interventions, such as ‘Good Places, Better Health’ and the ‘National Green Theatres Programme’, developing models in which the positive impacts of flax growing on NHS estates are theoretically and practically explored offers a novel strategy for ‘entwining’ the worlds of healthcare and greenspaces for improved staff, patient and community wellbeing.
Learning Objectives
- Recognise the underdevelopment of community growing initiatives across NHS Scotland estates and the existing small, localised efforts like community gardens
- Introduce and understand the proposed model for integrating flax growing on NHS Scotland estates to enhance community wellbeing, achieve net-zero goals, increase biodiversity, and develop regenerative infrastructure
- Understand the proposed model for preventative and therapeutic healthcare that utilises NHS Scotland’s estates for growing, harvesting and processing flax as a community activity to promote social wellbeing
P44
The wider community benefits of a major capital investment in a new hospital
Graeme Reid
Project director, NHS Lanarkshire, UK
Graeme Reid is a project director for NHS Lanarkshire, the third largest health board in Scotland. Serving a population of over 650,000 patients across rural and urban communities in central Scotland, the health board employs around 12,000 staff working across the whole system, including its three acute hospitals.
Graeme is responsible for the business case, procurement and construction of the new 470+ bed hospital. This is NHS Lanarkshire’s vision for a state-of-art hospital which harnesses digital technology to improve patient care and operational performance. The project is also a Pathfinder project for the Scottish Government’s new Net Zero Carbon Public Sector Buildings standard, with an all-electric hospital in design.
He is an Institution of Civil Engineers Chartered Engineer, registered with the Engineering Council with significant experience in project managing and leading multi-million-pound construction schemes within Scotland. He is currently undertaking an Executive MBA at the University of Strathclyde.
Diarmaid Lawlor
Associate director, Scottish Futures Trust, UK
Diarmaid is an urbanist, with a multidisciplinary background. He uses design thinking to unlock problems. He has almost 20 years’ experience of helping clients make well-informed decisions about complex, connected urban policy and investment challenges. He is an an educator, communicator and collaborator who writes and speaks on creative approaches to making better places.
Fiona Cowan
Chief nurse and Clinical lead, NHS Lanarkshire, UK
Fiona is a registered nurse and Chief nurse/Clinical lead for nursing on the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP). Fiona has worked across NHS Scotland and further afield in Scandinavia in both clinical and leadership roles over the past 30 years. Fiona has previous experience supporting capital projects along with leading service redesign and improvement projects. Fiona has previously represented the Board on national workforce steering and governance groups, and in particular for perioperative services.
The wider community benefits of a major capital investment in a new hospital
Abstract Copy
Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) is NHS Lanarkshire’s exciting vision for University Hospital Monklands (UHM) and the community it serves, proposing major investment in Lanarkshire’s hospital estate by rebuilding the hospital on a new site at Wester Moffat, near Airdrie. A new, state-of-the-art, net-zero carbon UHM will support the required clinical model to meet objectives set out in NHS Lanarkshire’s healthcare strategy 'Achieving Excellence'.The decision to relocate the existing hospital will create a ripple effect that responds to desired healthcare outcomes and addresses the region’s stated socio-economic needs. Lanarkshire’s local authorities have carried out extensive community engagement activities and work with local organisations to develop their Locality Outcome Improvement Plans (North) and Community Improvement Plan (South). This extensive and detailed work has been harnessed by the MRP project and utilised to establish wider regional objectives to address community needs, social outcomes and foster a new regenerative identity.
This major capital investment is a transformative event that brings benefits to the wider community. Beyond improving healthcare services, it will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, promote social equity and foster public health initiatives. Additionally, such an investment will drive infrastructure development, enhance environmental sustainability and contribute to medical education and research. As a cornerstone of community wellbeing, the hospital will serve as both a symbol and a driver of progress, offering long-lasting benefits that extend well beyond its walls. The new Monklands hospital has the potential to become the foundation for a longer-term vision for healthcare delivery in Scotland. Its traditional procurement route has allowed the NHS Lanarkshire clinical team far greater control over the detailed development of the design. These clinical components – rooms, suites, cores, equipment – are transferable, available as an up-to-date library, driving updated guidance.
This case study outlines the considerations and components that are forming a new future health ecosystem for Lanarkshire with the new Monklands hospital at its centre. It will explain the economic stimulation the project will foster, the improved access to quality healthcare for the whole region, the broader ‘sickness to wellness’ health promotion and disease prevention shifts, the focus on community hubs where various social services are integrated, the rebirth and repurposing of the existing Monklands site as a key future component in the wider healthcare ecosystem and, finally, the catalytic effect of the new hospital on the development of improved infrastructure and national healthcare design standards.
Learning Objectives
- Population health
- Health planning and investment
- Climate-smart healthcare
P45
Optimising healthcare delivery: The Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust target operating model
Bhanuka Senasinghe
Senior consultant, Archus, UK
Bhanuka is a medical doctor by training, bringing significant clinical experience to consultancy. He has a passion for improving healthcare for its users and providers. This includes finding innovative solutions for healthcare’s most pressing challenges, using his lived clinical experience to ensure that initiatives are pragmatic and place the patience at the centre. In his work in commercial life sciences, he learnt the importance of working across disciplines with academia, hospital trusts/groups and commercial partners.
His work at Archus has included development of clinical strategies, research and development strategies, estates strategies, clinical pathways and options appraisals. Bhanuka has demonstrated leadership to steer these projects and collaborative engagement with key stakeholders to ensure optimum outcomes. He leads on life sciences workstreams at Archus, delivering a number of research, development and innovation strategies.
Eleanor Green
Senior consultant, Archus, UK
Elle is a Senior consultant in the Strategic Advisory Team. With a blend of academic, clinical and strategic expertise, she brings a wealth of experience to this role from her previous background as a medical doctor, and more recently in consulting. In addition, Elle leverages her qualifications and experience in public health and medical education settings.
Through these experiences, she has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders to address complex healthcare challenges. Elle is committed to change in healthcare, through evidence-based, digitally-enabled strategies and operational improvements. Elle has worked on a number healthcare planning projects, including large New Hospital Programme (NHP) projects, with extensive stakeholder engagement and liaison with the broader ALDT. Elle is an APMG Certified Better Business Case Practitioner.
Nicola Clemo
Deputy programme director, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Nicola is an experienced health planning and business case development consultant with a previous background of eight years' construction project management. Nicola is Deputy programme director for the New Hospital Programme (NHP) Healthier Futures Programme at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She brings a holistic understanding of the full development journey of capital projects from investment justification through design to construction, which is invaluable in ensuring all project elements and risks are clearly articulated and managed throughout a project.
Nicola is adept at managing diverse stakeholders at all levels of an organisation, facilitating workshops (e.g. clinical, benefits, risks), identifying the key factors which will underpin capital investment and driving projects through to completion, particularly where projects are time constrained. She has a keen interest in the mechanisms to improve clinical productivity – releasing more time to care, improving standardisation within healthcare, the role of digital in the future of healthcare and design elements which improve patient experience and outcomes and can improve staff and carer experience and wellbeing. She has worked on a wide range of acute, community and mental health schemes where she has built strong relationships with the project teams.
Optimising healthcare delivery: The Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust target operating model
Abstract Copy
Developed by Archus, in collaboration with Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust, the Target Operating Model (TOM) framework is a comprehensive and integrated approach to delivering high-quality healthcare services. A requirement for the New Hospital Programme’s (NHP) business case process, the TOM serves as a blueprint for transforming strategic goals into operational reality, focusing on operational efficiency and integration. This is to ensure that new hospitals are operationally optimised before schemes are developed.The TOM framework offers a flexible and agile model that can be applied across different levels of healthcare delivery, transcending the traditional hospital setting. It supports the transition towards a future health ecosystem that is adaptable, patient-centric and resilient.
The development of the TOM involved several key steps:
• set-up of TOM working group: a dedicated team was established to oversee the development, with clear terms of reference;
• understanding NHP expectations: comprehensive research was conducted to understand the broader strategic environment and relevant policies;
• research and discovery: insights were gathered from policies, guidelines and best practices to inform the TOM framework;
• early drafting: an initial draft of the TOM framework was created, outlining key components and principles;
• engagement: the draft framework was reviewed and challenged by stakeholders, including clinicians, service managers and programme leads. This is a fluid and ongoing process between drafting and refinement;
• refinement: feedback was incorporated iteratively to refine the TOM framework, aiming for a model that reflects the Trust's vision and capabilities.
The TOM aims to provide a 'golden thread' that links key transformation agendas, ensuring they are interfaced, complementary and system-based rather than organisation-based. This is from both a Trust and Archus perspective. It describes how services will function in the future and the capabilities needed to deliver them, covering strategies related to clinical, digital, estates and FM (infrastructure), workforce and research and innovation.
The TOM framework, rooted in the Trust’s vision to deliver exceptional healthcare services, will foster innovation, patient-centric care and operation efficiency. This framework will help the Trust achieve optimised operational readiness in time for the new hospital being built, preventing outdated ways of working from being transferred to the new estate.
Learning Objectives
- Operational efficiency
- Strategic health planning
- Target operating model
P46
How do ambient stressors influence behaviours of parents/caregivers in a healthcare environment? Findings from a semantic ethnography of the waiting space in a paediatric hospital in New Delhi, India
Renuka Singh
PhD scholar, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India
Renuka Singh is an architect and urban designer interested in how the physical environment affects healthcare experiences of children and families in a paediatric healthcare environment. Her specific areas of expertise include children’s environments (healthcare, playscapes), environmental stressors, environment-behaviour research, evidence-based design, design for health and wellbeing, healthcare architecture and universal/inclusive design.
Sachit Anand
Assistant professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
Sachit Anand is a paediatric surgeon with initial training from AIIMS, New Delhi, and an advanced fellowship in laparoscopic and robotic paediatric surgery. His research focus is on biomarkers in congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT).
Aakash Johry
Assistant professor, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India
Aakash Johry is a design educator, researcher and practitioner, focusing on design of engaging, fun and playful products, experiences and systems. His research looks into the affective and experiential layers of user experience in the context of play, learning and health. He has been involved in multiple international design research projects in Europe and India on the themes of learning, design education, play and inclusion. Prior to joining the Department of Design at IIT Delhi, Aakash was a postdoctoral scholar at the Department of Industrial Design, Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. He has worked as an associate faculty and co-coordinator of the Toy and Game Design department at the National Institute of Design (NID). Aakash has also been involved as a guest faculty member for the Play Design programme at Design School Kolding, Denmark.
Gourab Kar
Assistant professor, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India
Gourab Kar, PhD, is an architect, designer and human factors researcher based in New Delhi, India. His areas of design expertise include human factors and ergonomics, sedentary behaviour and health, universal design, environment-behaviour research and body-conscious design. Gourab teaches design at the Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Previously, he was a postdoctoral scholar at the Interdisciplinary Center for Healthy Workplaces at the University of California Berkeley. Gourab has a PhD in Human Behaviour and Design from Cornell University and has taught design at Cornell University and at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
How do ambient stressors influence behaviours of parents/caregivers in a healthcare environment? Findings from a semantic ethnography of the waiting space in a paediatric hospital in New Delhi, India
Abstract Copy
In India, there are 7.3 doctors per 10,000 population, which is significantly lower than the global average of 17.2 doctors per 10,000 population. Consequently, hospitals in general, and paediatric healthcare environments in particular, are overcrowded with a high density of patients. This causes challenges not only for paediatric patients, but also for their parents/caregivers.Research indicates that the behaviour of parents/caregivers significantly influences how children experience and respond to healthcare environments. Overcrowded waiting rooms, high ambient noise levels, prolonged wait times and navigating unfamiliar environments are common stressors for parents/caregivers. These ambient stressors, in turn, can negatively impact the ability of parents/caregivers to support and comfort children in paediatric healthcare environments.
Understanding the responses of parents/caregivers to ambient stressors in paediatric healthcare spaces can help build research evidence for the design of salutogenic environments that enhance the healthcare experiences of parents/caregivers, in order to eventually enhance the support and comfort of children accompanying them. Therefore, an ethnographic study was conducted in the waiting space of an outpatient department (OPD) of a 400-bed paediatric hospital in New Delhi, India.
The study aimed to observe the behaviours and interactions of parents/caregivers in the OPD to understand human-environment-interactions in the waiting space and develop insights for subsequent design development. The OPD was selected for its high patient footfall and the diverse interactions that take place between children, parents/caregivers and hospital staff. The study was approved by hospital’s ethics board and participants were chosen by purposive sampling.
Researchers collected data through field notes which documented the behaviours, interactions and responses of parents/caregivers in the paediatric healthcare environment. These notes were coded using qualitative data analysis software and overlaid on the architectural plans to develop behavioural-maps. These maps represent human-environment interactions across time and space to reveal circulation patterns within the waiting area, spatial transformations of waiting space across time, and the stratification of activities according to the typology of parents/caregivers.
Findings from the behavioural maps suggest that parents/caregivers play a crucial role in moderating the healthcare experiences of children in paediatric healthcare environments. Frequently occurring ambient stressors for parents/caregivers include challenges in locating essential facilities like registration/consultation rooms, insufficient seating and storage spaces, and the absence of dedicated amenities such as breastfeeding rooms and diaper-changing facilities, especially for single parents.
The behavioural maps highlight the need for evidence-based family-friendly healthcare environments, which not only support paediatric patients but also their parents/caregivers.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the spatial behaviour of parents/caregivers in paediatric healthcare environments
- Explore the use of behavioural maps to analyse connections between people, space and time
- Evaluate the unique and diverse spatial needs of parents/caregivers in paediatric healthcare environments
P47
How emerging market countries can apply international best practice in healthcare facility planning and design
Katie Wood
Head of programme and project management, Archus, UK
Katie brings together technical, people and process expertise, and combines local capability with global best practice, focusing on healthcare, health and wellbeing and the built/digital environment. She advises on the complex interactions between buildings, the urban environment, operational processes, digital technology, data and people, in order to maximise the positive effect of the built environment on health and wellbeing. She has delivered a wide variety of healthcare and urban programmes and projects in the UK and internationally, including Peru, Australia and Canada.
Chris Turner
Director, Archus, UK
Chris has undertaken programme and project management roles and delivered numerous projects across all health sectors in the UK for nearly 15 years – including ten years as Director of the Midlands region.
From a health operational perspective Chris’ experience includes interim director of estates roles through to department restructuring and turnaround. Numerous multi-million pound projects have been delivered from business case development through to operational commissioning – all of which have been delivered at both Project manager and Project director level.
Chris’ current team specialises in the pre-construction strategic development of estates strategies and business cases across all health sectors, with specialist emphasis on the emergency department/front door. Construction-phase programme, project and contract management services are also delivered, with experience of delivery using P21, P21+ and P22 procurement vehicles.
He also regularly delivers estates assurance reviews and has delivered numerous on a national basis and across all health sectors, providing reports to Trust Board and Executive level and advising on the status of performance of the estate in its function of providing a safe and secure environment for staff, patients and members of the public.
How emerging market countries can apply international best practice in healthcare facility planning and design
Abstract Copy
In order to maximise benefits for local communities, investment in healthcare infrastructure in emerging market countries needs to work hard to:• promote equity, quality improvement and strengthen health system resilience;
• optimise environments to support high-quality clinical service delivery;
• integrate across the health service and foster healthy communities; and
• apply sustainable strategies in an appropriate way.
However, compared to developed world approaches, projects often lack depth and focus in clinical and technical areas, especially during the critical early planning and requirements setting stages. In many emerging market countries, construction standards for new hospital facilities are outdated or simply do not exist, plus the local health service may not have capacity or major project experience to fully engage in the development of requirements.
There is no reason why emerging market countries should not benefit from, and build on, international best practice in healthcare facility planning and design. Despite affordability constraints, achieving high-quality, fit-for-purpose healthcare facilities is achievable through the use of holistic, practical guidelines. Delivery routes are frequently public-private-partnerships or design build – requiring an output specification. Although different countries have different health system funding and operating models, there is significant commonality in typologies / healthcare services to give the potential for standard approaches.
Archus and a team of specialists (including: Murphy Philipps, Arup, and MTS) developed a set of guidelines for the clinical planning and design of new public-private partnership hospital facilities in emerging market countries including:
• the clinical briefing process/ functional content;
• room data sheet development;
• schedules of accommodation;
• approach to equipping;
• site due diligence;
• design brief and design deliverables lists;
• multidisciplinary technical output specifications.
The consistent use of guidelines will address:
• incorrect assumptions about local health service delivery models – ensuring that facilities are fit for purpose;
• gaps in requirements due to missing information at feasibility stage – reducing risks of budget and time overruns;
• bespoke plans and requirements for each project – reducing inefficiencies and variable quality; and
• unclear clinical and technical requirements for the market – improving bid quality and reducing the risk of budget overruns and low quality facilities.
The guidelines are now being piloted at project level. Success will be measured by level of adoption and project outcomes, including cost certainty, delivery timelines and health service feedback.
Guidelines bring a level of standardisation, comparability and international best practice, increasing certainty at each step and maximising end value from healthcare infrastructure investment.
Learning Objectives
- Needs of emerging country healthcare facility projects
- Understanding the risks and pitfalls
- How to apply international best practice and approaches to maximise end value
P48
Movement-Light-Nature-Human Connection: Strengthening Dubai’s healthcare ecosystem with preventative care
Maria Ionescu
Senior associate, designer, Stantec, USA
Maria Ionescu is a senior medical planner with over 30 years of experience in healthcare design. She has led the planning and design of major healthcare facilities across the United States, Canada, Singapore and China. Known for her collaborative approach, Maria excels in building consensus among diverse stakeholder groups. Her project portfolio includes the Cleveland Clinic's New Neurological Institute Building, Montreal’s CHUM, and the new A&E building at the Singapore General Hospital. Maria's expertise is recognised through her certifications with the Arizona State Board, the Ontario Association of Architects and the Order of Architects in Romania. In addition to her design achievements, Maria is an active speaker and author in the field of healthcare design. She has presented at prestigious conferences such as the Healthcare Design Conference and the SALUS European Healthcare Design Conference. Her publications include articles in 'Healthcare Design' magazine and 'Canadian Architect', where she shares insights on modular construction and pandemic response in healthcare spaces. Maria also mentors in the Stantec Mentorship Program and serves on various industry committees, including the FGI US Emergency Guidelines Committee and Healthcare Design Showcase Awards jury. Her dedication to advancing healthcare design and commitment to continuous learning make her a respected leader in the industry.
Muhammad Hamed Farooqi
Director and Consultant endocrinologist, Dubai Health Authority, United Arab Emirates
Dr. Farooqi received his internal medicine training in New York and then did his Endocrine Fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He is US Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology and is a Fellow of the American College of Endocrinology as well as the American College of Physicians. His passions include teaching, and he was a Clinical associate professor at the USF College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida. He has won multiple awards for teaching. He has also been recognised by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the NCQA for the quality of care he provides. Initially he joined the Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate in Florida and worked there for a decade as the medical director. After he set up a highly successful Joslin affiliate in Safety Harbor, Florida he was selected by Joslin to lead the team that was responsible for setting up the state-of-the-art Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at Dubai Health Authority. He is now working on a major expansion of this centre, which has now been renamed the Dubai Diabetes Center.
Mariano Gonzalez
Senior advisor, Dubai Health Authority, United Arab Emirates
Before joining Dubai Health Authority, Mariano Gonzalez served as the Managing cirector of Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai. He joined Moorfields in November 2012, from Al Noor Hospital Group in Abu Dhabi, where he was Group chief operating officer. He has held several senior positions in general management into the healthcare sector. A Spanish national, he initially worked as hospital Chief executive officer in the Canary Islands (Spain) before relocating to Abu Dhabi in 2008. He was appointed Hospital director of Khalifa Hospital (Al Noor Hospitals) then became Group COO in 2011. He has extensive experience and an outstanding track record of achievement in the healthcare sector within the UAE and is leading the hospital through its next phase of development as it continues to expand and develop its services across the UAE. Mariano Gonzalez holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, Arizona, USA (2009) and Business Management by the IE (Instituto of Empresa) Business School. He was Principal professor at the Business School San Pablo CEU, Madrid, Spain, from 2000 to 2003. He holds several professional memberships, including member of the American College of Healthcare Executive (ACHE), Chicago, USA (2006); member of the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, American Hospital Association (2010).
Movement-Light-Nature-Human Connection: Strengthening Dubai’s healthcare ecosystem with preventative care
Abstract Copy
The diabetes burden in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains alarmingly high at 18.9 per cent (11th worldwide) and is projected to increase by 96 per cent by 2045 if left unaddressed. Dubai Health recognises the need to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem. Its sustained investment in preventative care continues to advance this, and the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, to promote a healthy lifestyle and enhance the quality of health.The new Dubai Diabetes Centre of Excellence (DDC) is the next project to advance that vision. Embracing minimalism and gravitas, it is designed around a new model of comprehensive, co-ordinated, personalised, and predictive medicine – harnessing artificial intelligence alongside traditional healthcare delivery. Endocrinology, ophthalmology, psychology, nutrition, podiatry and lifestyle coaching are under the same roof, physically and digitally, enabling a seamless movement between clinical specialties. The iterative nature of this information exchange is embodied by an infinity circulation loop through the building which doubles as education/research space, promoting physical activity ‘snacks’ as short as three minutes, which are shown to lower post-prandial blood sugar. Before leaving, there is opportunity to reflect on things learned, on ways to change in the future and ways to give back to the care community one is now part of – then repeat, such is the nature of chronic disease management.
The DDC goes beyond treatment, focusing on preventative medicine and patient empowerment. Four thematic gardens featuring herbs, fruits and flowers found in Ibn Sina’s (Avicenna) 'Canon of Medicine' medieval pharmacopoeia are used in education sessions and cooking demonstrations. This thoughtful approach extends to the overall patient experience. One’s care is in the hands of the same team of professionals, every time. Over months and years, relationships form. Trust is built on the connection forged in those exchanges. You are not a number; you are among friends here.
The DDC represents a transformative vision for healthcare in the MENA region. Integrating preventative care, connection to light and nature, advanced technology and a holistic approach to patient management, it is poised to significantly reduce the diabetes burden. The design features a planning innovation – the Infinity Loop – ensuring seamless co-ordination among various specialties, fostering a comprehensive and personalised care experience. Moreover, the emphasis on patient empowerment and community engagement underscores commitment to fostering healthy communities. As Dubai Health continues to invest in forward-thinking initiatives, it sets a benchmark for healthcare excellence, paving the way for a healthier future.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the diabetes burden and preventative care initiatives in the MENA region and how learners might apply this knowledge to address this public health challenge in their home country
- Understand key features of the DDC, including its comprehensive, co-ordinated, personalised and predictive medicine model, the integration of artificial intelligence and the Infinity Loop design for seamless data exchange
- Learners will be able to assess and apply the benefits of a holistic approach, including natural light, thematic gardens, education sessions and consistent care teams, in promoting patient empowerment, community engagement and trust building
P49
Architectural and design guide for the largest housing developer in Norway – development of housing projects where the elderly can live safely, comfortable and independent
Espen Alexander Lindkjølen
Market director sustainable cities, Arkitema, Norway
Espen is Market director and Partner for sustainable cities at Arkitema in Oslo. He has a Master in Architecture from Aarhus School of Architecture 2013 and broad experience in urban and housing development, especially within sustainable residential and commercial buildings. He focuses on good processes for design and concept development.
Previously, he led the work on structuring and implementing innovation processes and business development at group level in OBOS. He participated in building up OBOS's living LAB, a modern living laboratory, and developed, for the largest housing developer in Norway, the architectural and design guide 'Development of housing projects where the elderly can live safely, comfortably and independently'.
Architectural and design guide for the largest housing developer in Norway – development of housing projects where the elderly can live safely, comfortable and independent
Abstract Copy
The proportion of elderly people will increase sharply in the coming decades, and more elderly individuals will need to live at home. How can we make it easier to live safely and comfortably at home throughout life? Many of us know someone who should have moved out of their house years ago – away from the stairs, gardening and snow shoveling. Perhaps we’ve hinted that it might be time to consider something simpler? An apartment on one level, with a lift and garage, perhaps? But the response we get is often the same: “I’m neither old, sick nor in need of help—yet.”What is the challenge for our society? By 2030, there will be more elderly people than children in Norway and, according to Eurostat, the number of people aged 65 and over will almost double, from 17 per cent to 30 per cent by 2060, and those aged 80 and over will rise from 5 per cent to 12 per cent. At the same time, authorities are encouraging elderly individuals to remain in their own homes for as long as possible – a wish many share. However, the current housing stock and neighbourhoods are often not well suited to meet these needs.
This guide, developed by Arkitema for Norway's largest housing developer OBOS, aims to assist housing developers, architects and project managers in creating neighbourhoods and homes where people can thrive throughout their lives. It introduces a range of measures designed to improve quality of life and foster inclusive, safe neighbourhoods for elderly residents. These measures are organised into three main categories:
• social adaptations (S) – building community, preventing loneliness and facilitating health-promoting social activities;
• cognitive adaptations (C) – supporting independence and reducing everyday frustrations;
• physical adaptations (P) – enhancing safety and mobility.
This guide is designed to support everyone involved in housing development projects to create environments that are conducive to healthy and fulfilling lives for elderly individuals. It highlights the importance of age-friendly living conditions and serves as both inspiration and a practical tool for making informed decisions at every stage of a project. Through illustrations and concrete recommendations, the guide addresses key aspects of social, cognitive and physical adaptations for creating vibrant and inclusive living environments.
Learning Objectives
- Sustainable design
- Healthy neighborhoods
- Urban development
P50
Endoscopy design study
Martin Anderson
Senior architect, P+HS Architects, UK
Martin is a Senior architect at P+HS, with 15 years of experience in the healthcare sector, collaborating with numerous NHS Trusts and private healthcare clients on the design and delivery of primary, acute, and specialist health facilities.
Martin also serves as a practice healthcare lead, actively promoting best practice in healthcare design. He is a valuable member of the team with a proven track record of successfully delivering schemes, ranging from GP surgeries and health centres to theatres, diagnostic centres, endoscopy units and cancer care facilities. Notable schemes include the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre, Glendon Wood Hospital and Stokesley Health Centre.
Endoscopy design study
Abstract Copy
The demand for endoscopy procedures currently far outweighs capacity in the NHS and many trusts are undertaking demand and capacity modelling to support future planning. P+HS Architects was involved in the development of several different endoscopy schemes during 2024, and we would like to share our experience and reflect upon the design of some of those projects. The submission contrasts four of our current projects which, while derived from common design guidance, demonstrate the impact that variations in clinical model and site characteristics can have on a ‘standard’ typology. Alongside JAG accreditation, each scheme has unique priorities.Lincoln endoscopy
Located at Lincoln County Hospital, this new-build facility will incorporate 12 patient pods, enhancing the patient experience by offering both audible and visual separation for improved privacy and dignity.
Poole endoscopy
P+HS and Premier Modular have assisted with the design development of a modular build for the expansion of endoscopy services at Poole Hospital. The scheme will expand capacity, enabling the service to maintain waiting standards and provide timely and safe diagnostic endoscopy services. The location and modular construction methods have been chosen to best meet the time and space requirements of the brief.
Cumberland Infirmary endoscopy
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is aiming to improve its endoscopy service through the provision of a new five-room endoscopy unit designed to support both outpatient and inpatient flow. The design utilises a hybrid approach to recovery spaces with multi-bedded recovery bays and en-suite pod spaces, which provide flexibility for dealing with the needs of more sensitive patients. To ensure the unit is operational as quickly as possible, modern construction methods are being utilised. Completion is targeted for March 2025.
Leicester endoscopy
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is constructing a new-build facility to provide six new procedure rooms. Aiming for a net-zero, carbon-neutral, sustainable design, the scheme is on target to achieve BREEAM Excellent.
As the Government strategy for improving NHS services shifts reactively to national programmes of prioritised upgrades (community diagnostic centres (CDCs), urgent and emergency care, Cavell centres, elective surgery, etc.) and the New Hospital Programme (NHP), it is important to understand the potential scope and limitations of standardised design. Our experience shows that the inherent site characteristics and operational policy can push designs in very different directions, limiting the potential for rolling out standard solutions to something that appears to be a common clinical brief.
Learning Objectives
- Outlining design principles relating to example schemes
- Outlining design principles relating to example schemes
- Review learning from projects and feedback received
P51
Hybrid model of care for high-risk pregnant women: Immersive design between the hospital and home
Rakefet Yoeli-Ulman
Medical director, High-Risk Pregnancy Department, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
Dr. Rakefet Yoeli-Ulman is the Medical director of the High-Risk Pregnancy Department in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, affiliated with the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Tel Aviv University.
Esther Galler
Head of gynecology and midwifery, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
Esther Galler is a certified nurse midwife (CNM) and the Head of gynecology and midwifery at Sheba Beyond, the first virtual hospital in Israel, part of Sheba Medical Center.
Galia Barkai
Director, Sheba Beyond, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
Dr Galia Barkai is the Director of Sheba Beyond at Sheba Medical Center in Israel.
Eyal Zimlichman
Chief transformation officer and Chief innovation officer, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
Prof. Eyal Zimlichman is an internal medicine physician, a healthcare executive and a researcher focused on assessing and improving healthcare quality and value, patient engagement and patient safety. He currently serves as Chief transformation officer and Chief innovation officer at Sheba Medical Center, Israel's largest hospital. In this position he oversees the transformation efforts carried out at the medical centre as it aims to redesign healthcare in order for it to be focused on patients, while being more effective, efficient and equitable. For these reasons, Eyal Zimlichman founded Sheba’s global innovation program (ARC – Accelerate, Redesign and Collaborate). Prior to this he held the position of Chief medical officer, and before that, as Chief quality officer, both at Sheba. He is a founding member of the International Academy of Quality and Safety in Health Care, and an International expert at the International Society of Quality in Healthcare (ISQua). He also served as an advisor to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology in the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Abraham Tsur
Head, Sheba Beyond Women’s Health, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
Dr Avi Tsur, MD, is the Founder and Director of the Sheba Women’s Health Innovation Center, a collaborative effort of ARC, the Sheba Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Gertner Institute for Health Policy and Epidemiology. Avi serves as Head of the Sheba Beyond Women’s Health Telemedicine Services providing cutting-edge remote healthcare services across Israel and beyond. Clinically trained in the Hadassah Medical School, Sheba Medical Center and Stanford University Medical Center, he serves as attending physician at the Sheba Antepartum (high-risk pregnancy) Department, high-risk pregnancy clinics and the Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Unit. He also leads a National Ministry of Health Committee, promoting telemedicine in women’s healthcare. Avi holds patents for several predictive machine learning models in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, is the founder of BirthAI.org and was the lead medical inventor of the Lioness, a mechanical device for prevention of pre-term birth, currently commercialised by PregnanTech.
Nirit Pilosof
Head of research in innovation and transformation, Sheba Medical Center; Faculty member, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Nirit Pilosof, PhD, is an architect and researcher exploring the intersection of healthcare, technology and architecture. She is a Faculty member at the Coller School of Management, Tel Aviv University, and an Associate of Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS) at the University of Cambridge in the UK. She is also Head of research in healthcare transformation at Sheba Medical Center, a Fellow of Cambridge Digital Innovation (CDI) at the University of Cambridge, and the Executive Member of Israel at the International Union of Architects (UIA) Public Health Group.
Dr Pilosof holds a PhD from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, a Post-Professional MArch from McGill University, and an Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) from the Center for Health Design in the USA. She gained experience in the design process of major medical facilities as a project manager at leading architecture firms in Israel and Canada and won international awards, including the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA) Academy of Architects for Health Award, the American Hospital Association (AHA) graduate fellowship, the McGill graduate fellowship and the Azrieli Foundation fellowship.
Hybrid model of care for high-risk pregnant women: Immersive design between the hospital and home
Abstract Copy
Healthcare organisations are developing models of care between the hospital and home, using remote technologies for monitoring and communication. Most programmes for hospital at home / virtual wards support intermediate care, such as chronic management or rehabilitation programmes, while acute care often requires hybrid models, integrating physical and virtual care at the hospital and the home.This study investigates a novel hybrid model for pregnant women with severe maternal or foetal complications of pregnancy. The model provides an alternative for prolonged hospital admission indicated for maternal and/or foetal intense monitoring, which often lasts weeks or even months before delivery. The hybrid model allows high-risk pregnant women hospitalisation at home, integrating telehome monitoring and daily remote visits of the physician and midwife with twice-a-week physical visits of the women to the hospital unit. Remote care at home leverages cutting-edge telemedicine technologies to replace the standard hospital daily assessment, including vital signs, glycaemic control, foetal heart rate monitoring and ultrasound assessment, performed by the woman with the remote guidance of the caregiver. When visiting the hospital twice a week for on-site check-ups, the women are treated in a designated unit within the medical ward by the same caregivers.
The ongoing qualitative study, based on observations of and interviews with patients and staff, examines the design of the new healthcare service, focusing on the intersection between the social, technological and built environments. Preliminary results illustrate transformation in all three environments of care. The hybrid model shifts relations between women and caregivers, changes professional practices and processes, and empowers women by growing involvement, responsibility and a sense of choice. Telemedicine technologies for self-monitoring at home, which requires learning and patience, were reported to give women greater control over their situation. Staying at home allows women to maintain family life and motherhood and often continue their work or studies, which is challenging, or impossible, to proceed with during traditional hospital admission. Women reported that the home environment reduced stress and supported better sleep than the hospital ward, and the hybrid unit provided a VIP experience.
The study also indicated the potential to use remote technologies for inpatient care, empowering women at the hospital while managing the lack of professional caregivers. It demonstrated challenges in managing and scaling the service, highlighting the need for more research to explore the potential and limitations of hybrid models and their implications on the design of future hospitals and healthcare services.
Learning Objectives
- The development of hybrid models of care between the hospital and home
- Advantages of remote care at home for high-risk pregnant women
- Implications of remote care and hybrid models on the design of hospital wards
P52
‘Experiment in the wild’ approach for studying innovative technology in private spaces
Shlomit Bauman
Senior lecturer, Faculty of Design, HIT Holon institute of Technology, Israel
Shlomit Bauman holds an MSc and PhD in Industrial Design from the Architecture and Town Planning Faculty at the Technion in Haifa, Israel. Her research explores the interrelationship between design and technology, with a particular focus on relations between nanotechnology and design. Her latest research deals with responsive, interactive environments in domestic spaces (a user-centred approach).
She is a senior lecturer in the Industrial Design Department at the Holon Institute of Technology (HIT). She is also the head curator of the Benyamini Contemporary Ceramics Center in Tel Aviv. Shlomit Bauman's background includes research on design and craft, examining cultural, technological, traditional and methodological aspects. Her studio work encompasses a range of activities, including academic research, art, design, curating and education, reflecting her integrated approach to these fields.
Noemi Bitterman
Academic director, Masters of Industrial Design (MID), Technion, Israel
Noemi's academic and professional background includes the fields of physiology, medicine, design, human engineering and management, including a PhD in Medical Sciences (Neurophysiology), an MSc in Industrial Design, chairing industrial design programmes, directing the Research Unit of the Israeli Naval Medical Institute and leading applied and basic research on performance in extreme environments. She was also a visiting professor at IUAV, Italy, and mentor at the BIODesign Rambam- Stanford programme.
Her multidisciplinary background enables the integration of diverse disciplines, the transfer of technology and research methods across fields, and the application of bioconvergence principles. This approach allows her to design health-promoting environments and address the needs of an ageing population and climate change through customised design solutions.
Her main research areas include:
• design and human factors in healthcare: medical technology, transfer of technology, smart home, digital health (EMR), hospital design, operating rooms of the future, biosensors;
• personalised design: design for older adults and special needs, multisensory design, natural user interface;
• human factors and design in extreme conditions: design for disaster and climate change, high pressures (diving and underwater), stressful environments (operating rooms), underwater architecture (aquatecture), deployable hospitals;
• evidence-based design (EBD) methodologies: developing quantitative measures for design research, experiments ‘in the wild'.
‘Experiment in the wild’ approach for studying innovative technology in private spaces
Abstract Copy
Despite the increasing popularity of smart technologies in public spaces and workplaces, their integration into daily life and domestic space remains limited, partly due to human-machine interaction issues, lack of experience and unfamiliarity with the technologies. One such technology is the natural user interface (NUI), which eliminates the need for physical accessories to control the environment. This study aims to explore the use of natural user interfaces for controlling domestic spaces, focusing on casual users through a playful and natural 'experiment in the wild' set-up.An interactive research booth was set up at a science museum as an integrated part of the museum's permanent exhibition. We used an ‘experiment in the wild’ approach to study 'real' users in a real-world setting. The set-up included a digitalised smart-controlled LED panel, Kinect camera, computer, touch pad, sensors and dedicated custom software. To engage participants, we used selfie-taking – an activity popular among visitors – as a hook. Participants were given five options to control the lighting for taking the optimal selfies. The lighting tasks included turning the LED panel on, modifying the colour and intensity of the lighting, and shifting lighting in the horizontal and vertical planes. To perform each task, participants could choose from five gestures: hand clapping, vertical hand movement, vertical head movement, horizontal hand movement or a finger touch on a pad. At the end, the participants selected their favourite selfie and completed a questionnaire which helped to validate the experimental data.
A total of 232 participants (aged 18 and up), age = 34.7 ± 13.4 (mean ± SD), 63.4 per cent female, took part in the study. A significant association was found between tasks and gestures. Hand clapping was significantly correlated with binary tasks (e.g. turning the lighting on), while hand and head movements were correlated with spatial tasks, and touch was correlated with non-spatial tasks. The feedback questionnaire confirmed and validated the experimental data.
The distribution of gestures and questionnaire responses support the use of multimodal natural user interfaces for controlling private spaces that correspond to use in real-life situations. We believe that playful experiences will help to introduce natural user interface and other smart technologies in domestic spaces. We strongly recommend use of 'experiments in the wild' in architectural and design studies, as they offer valuable insights when testing innovative technologies in uncontrolled field conditions with diverse user populations.
Learning Objectives
- Field study
- Natural user interface
- LED
P53
Deployable healthcare facilities for climate change-induced disasters: Characteristics and future directions
Alberto Martinetti
Associate professor, University of Twente, The Netherlands
Alberto is an Associate professor in the Department of Design, Production and Management at the University of Twente. He leads the Humanitarian Engineering Research Group as part of the Asset Management and Maintenance Engineering research chair. "We aspire to shape a world where every individual has access to necessities, essential services and developmental opportunities regardless of their socio-economic background or geographic location through the implementation of humanitarian engineering principles and fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity and long-term sustainability."
Alberto holds an MSc in Geo-resources and Geo-technologies Engineering (2009) and a PhD in Safety and Health (2013) on the prevention through design approach in mining activities, both achieved at the Polytechnic of Turin. He focused his research for years on maintenance technology before moving forward with the new challenge in humanitarian engineering design (appropriate and sustainable technological interventions for short- and long-term scenarios). He is a co-founder, together with Dr. Peter Chemweno, of the humanitarian engineering actions that led to the course, minor and MSc Programme in Humanitarian Engineering.
He is also chairman of the NGO EDUbox, a self-contained modular learning environment for underserved communities' education and training. In January 2024 he was selected as a member of the IRDR Young Scientist Programme of UNDRR.
Alberto has published more than 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and has co-chaired and organised several conferences and guest-edited several special issues in scientific journals.
Noemi Bitterman
Academic director, Masters of Industrial Design (MID), Technion, Israel
Noemi's academic and professional background includes the fields of physiology, medicine, design, human engineering and management, including a PhD in Medical Sciences (Neurophysiology), an MSc in Industrial Design, chairing industrial design programmes, directing the Research Unit of the Israeli Naval Medical Institute and leading applied and basic research on performance in extreme environments. She was also a visiting professor at IUAV, Italy, and mentor at the BIODesign Rambam- Stanford programme.
Her multidisciplinary background enables the integration of diverse disciplines, the transfer of technology and research methods across fields, and the application of bioconvergence principles. This approach allows her to design health-promoting environments and address the needs of an ageing population and climate change through customised design solutions.
Her main research areas include:
• design and human factors in healthcare: medical technology, transfer of technology, smart home, digital health (EMR), hospital design, operating rooms of the future, biosensors;
• personalised design: design for older adults and special needs, multisensory design, natural user interface;
• human factors and design in extreme conditions: design for disaster and climate change, high pressures (diving and underwater), stressful environments (operating rooms), underwater architecture (aquatecture), deployable hospitals;
• evidence-based design (EBD) methodologies: developing quantitative measures for design research, experiments ‘in the wild'.
Deployable healthcare facilities for climate change-induced disasters: Characteristics and future directions
Abstract Copy
The World Health Organization has defined climate change as the greatest challenge to health in the current century, as it affects all aspects of human health at the individual and population level (WHO Health and Climate Change, 2023), and therefore requires healthcare systems to prepare accordingly to these challenges.This paper aims to examine the healthcare implications of climate change-induced disasters and their impact on the structure of deployable hospitals for such situations. The analysis of needs and the proposed solutions are based on review of literature and digital sources focusing on climate change-induced disasters, temporary mobile hospitals and reports on operation of mobile hospitals during rescue expeditions.
The key characteristics of healthcare facilities for climate change-induced disasters include:
1. flexibility and modularity, with construction standards designed to withstand extreme, unpredictable weather conditions;
2. the ability to adapt to a variety of disaster types, including interactions and cascading disasters;
3. integration of deployable facilities with community healthcare and social services to manage disruptions in medical care;
4. Age-friendly design, addressing the increased vulnerability of older adults in disaster situations, which includes features such as visibility, accessibility, multimodal signage and clear icons.
The design implications for deployable healthcare facilities in climate change-induced disasters include the following suggestions.
Air-inflated structures (Airtecture)
Using air-inflated fabric structures offers numerous advantages in extreme weather conditions. Air, being a natural, universally available and cost-free resource, provides effective thermal insulation. These structures can be quickly and securely deployed, easily erected and deflated, and stored compactly. They are sustainable, leaving no residue, and can be adapted for multiple functions.
Innovative 3D construction methods
The use of three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies can facilitate rapid and secure on-site construction, particularly in challenging and hazardous environments. This method overcomes time constraints, uncertainty and changing circumstances in disaster zones, while addressing transportation challenges without putting rescue personnel at risk.
Autonomous systems
Autonomous systems play a crucial role in the fast construction and operation of healthcare facilities in extreme weather or unsafe terrains. Mobile autonomous platforms can also assist in transporting people and supplies across damaged roads, ensuring timely and efficient support during crises.
We advocate for the formation of multidisciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, emergency medical professionals, WHO experts, social workers, rescue teams and climate change specialists, to develop a strategic plan for designing deployable healthcare facilities tailored to climate change-induced disasters.
Learning Objectives
- Climate change
- Deployable hospitals
- Disaster
P54
Implementing a robust social value strategy: Designing for underserved and vulnerable populations
Deborah Wingler
Global practice director, applied research, HKS, USA
Dr Deborah Wingler’s research focuses on improving patient and staff experience. As Global practice director of applied research for HKS, Deborah collaborates with research and design teams to develop and implement research initiatives that drive innovation and achieve measurable impact across the healthcare practice and firm, globally. Through her research, Deborah has had the opportunity to work with some of the most forward-thinking Fortune 500 companies, healthcare organisations, manufacturers and design firms in the industry to support their respective research agendas. Both in practice and academia, her research has focused on the integration of research into the design process.
Whitney Fuessel
Regional practice director, health, HKS, United States
Whitney is a Partner and Regional Practice Director for Health in the South-Central Region for HKS, while officing in Houston. With over 25 years of experience in health, her work focuses on the experience of humans in the built environment. Her fresh ideas draw from her team of designers and planners working on academic health projects, creating a collaborative balanced approach. She is a leading voice for the healthcare in architecture and has served as the Chair for the American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Health in Houston. She is also a Founding Board Member of Women in Healthcare, has served as sponsorship chair and currently holds a position on the National Advisory Council. Whitey was awarded the 2017 AIA Presidential Citation Award for her work with the AIA and is a passionate advocate for her work with Citizen HKS, which is a public-interest design initiative that enables HKS employees to dedicate company time and resources to help communities in need.
Implementing a robust social value strategy: Designing for underserved and vulnerable populations
Abstract Copy
As more health systems and healthcare organisations begin to align with the United Nations commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all, it is imperative for designers to leverage a robust social value strategy to ensure that the communities being served by a new medical facility receive maximum benefit. It is also essential that the social value strategy reflect the cultural context of the community, so the design of the facility reflects what matters the most to both those who receive and those who deliver care within that community.In this session, participants will explore how one organisation has implemented a robust social value strategy throughout the design and construction of a new 1.2 million square foot tower expansion at the Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) Hospital in Houston, Texas, which serves as a safety net hospital in the United States that provides care for some of the nation’s most underserved, vulnerable communities. Hear from global community engagement experts, patient and family advocates, designers and visionary leadership from one health system on what it takes to transform the community by honouring the voices of those they serve.
The team will share how a comprehensive community engagement process, which included bus tours, town hall meetings, community outreach events and surveys, was used to foster trust and build consensus within the community. Attendees will also hear about a rigorous experience strategy effort that engaged, patients, families and staff in the design process, to ensure the design of the new facility meaningfully improves the patient and staff experience and positively impacts the community in ways that matter most to them. The team will also discuss strategies for giving back to the community through volunteer efforts to help provide jobs, food and clothing to members of the community.
To date, over 91,000 touchpoints with the community have occurred through a more than 90 community outreach events and bus tours that touched 169 neighborhoods and zip codes and engaged over 1,100 minority participants in the design process. From this engagement, 21 non-negotiables for design were identified. Of those 21 non-negotiables, 17 have been meaningfully addressed through the design and the remaining four are currently under review.
Implementing a robust social value strategy during the design process is critical to ensure maximum benefit is received by the community through the development of healthcare infrastructure.
Learning Objectives
- Learn how one health system is leveraging a robust social value strategy to transform how they provide care for some of the most underserved, vulnerable communities in the USA
- Discover how designers can play a crucial role in supporting the United Nations commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
- Explore how to implement a comprehensive community engagement process that can help foster trust and build consensus within the community
P55
Beyond walls: Transforming healthcare with ecosystem thinking
Cathy Junda Lester
Principal, digital health lead, Stantec, United States
Cathy Junda is a Principal and Digital Health Lead at Stantec, specializing in integrating healthcare technology, facility design, and strategic planning to create equitable and resilient health ecosystems. With expertise at the intersection of healthcare innovation and architecture, Cathy focuses on addressing systemic inequities through holistic approaches that blend design, technology, and community engagement. In addition to her professional achievements, Cathy is a certified Health and Wellness Coach, leveraging her expertise and personal experiences to support patients navigating challenging health journeys, including serving as a "chemo buddy" to those undergoing similar treatments. This perspective informs her work, grounding innovative strategies in empathy and lived experience. Cathy has led transformative projects globally, contributing to initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and improve access to care. Her work emphasizes creating adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of healthcare systems while promoting health equity and sustainability. She holds a postgraduate certificate in Health Informatics, a master’s degree in engineering, and certifications in Public Health (NBPHE) and project management (PMP). Cathy’s thought leadership in healthcare design and innovation continues to drive forward-thinking strategies that redefine care delivery and planning on a global scale.
Beyond walls: Transforming healthcare with ecosystem thinking
Abstract Copy
As healthcare demands evolve, designing new facilities requires a strategic, ecosystem-based approach that considers the broader campus and community. In this session, we'll explore the transformative power of ecosystem thinking for healthcare, how facilities function as interconnected components of a larger digital and physical campus and community, and the critical interplay between infrastructure, clinical workflows and technology to create patient-centred, efficient operations. We will discuss collaborative planning for campus impact and the value of system-wide longitudinal patient journey mapping to align facility design with patient pathways, resource allocation and operational goals. Additionally, we'll highlight innovative tools for constituent collaboration, including digital twins for predictive operations and how shared infrastructure and scalable technology benefit the entire campus.This session will guide attendees through the principles and practices of ecosystem thinking, emphasising how integrated planning, innovative technology and collaborative design can deliver exceptional outcomes and patient experience while respecting cost containment. Participants will explore real-world use cases, focusing on how new facilities can benefit from, and contribute to, the larger campus environment through the following key themes: fostering seamless flows of patients, data and resources across facilities; designing for long-term adaptability; and leveraging innovation to uplift the entire campus ecosystem.
Sample use cases (subject to updates):
Facility-based innovation through collaborative design
The 'design dialogues' method, developed at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, involved patients, staff, architects and planners in healthcare facility design. This collaborative approach ensured the integration of diverse perspectives into facility planning and operations. Ecosystem thinking enabled the alignment of clinical workflows, patient needs and physical space design, creating facilities that function seamlessly within their broader context. Cross-collaborative design fostered trust and mutual understanding among stakeholders, ensuring that the final design reflected both operational efficiency and user comfort. By treating the facility as part of a larger care ecosystem, this approach ensured adaptability and patient-centred outcomes.
Community collaboration in healthcare facility planning
The Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families (HNHF) initiative by Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, demonstrated how healthcare organisations can collaborate with local communities to address social determinants of health, such as housing and education. Ecosystem thinking allowed the hospital to view its role not just as a care provider but also as an integral component of the community’s wellbeing.
Learning Objectives
- Ecosystem thinking: learn how healthcare facilities are interconnected within a larger digital and physical community and explore the relationship between infrastructure, clinical workflows and technology to create efficient, patient-centred operations
- Collaborative planning & system-wide flow mapping: learn how to unite designers, clinical leaders and operational teams to design flexible spaces & use flow mapping, aligning facility design with patient pathways, resource allocation & operational goals
- Attendees will learn about tools for constituent collaboration, like digital twins and modular construction, and will explore how shared infrastructure and scalable technology can enhance seamless patient, data and resource flow across campus facilities
P56
The benefits of joining up mental and physical health services
Cressida Toon
Partner, Sonnemann Toon Architects, United Kingdom
Cressida has spent the majority of her career in healthcare architecture and has been involved in the design of numerous large PFI hospitals, community projects and mental health facilities. These include the award-winning schemes of City of Coventry Healthcare Centre, the European Scanning Centre and the refurbishment of Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital.
Cressida also enjoys working with clients on the establishment of design standards to enable the application of consistent specifications across diverse healthcare estates. Internally, she has focused on the practice’s development of technical standards and has lectured at the RIBA on quality assurance for the architectural profession.
Mark Maffey
Estates architect and senior project manager, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Mark Maffey is an experienced project manager and chartered architect with over 20 years of expertise in delivering high-quality, transformative healthcare projects within acute and community hospitals. Currently the Solent Project Manager, he has worked with University Hospital Southampton, IOW Trust, Southern Health, and Hampshire & IOW Healthcare NHS FT.
With a deep understanding of healthcare design, Mark excels in leading multidisciplinary teams, managing complex projects from inception to completion, and ensuring effective engagement with stakeholders to create functional and inspiring spaces. He has lectured and judged for the Kings Fund's Enhancing the Healing Environment programme and was recently shortlisted in the Building Better Healthcare awards.
A natural collaborator with a warm and positive approach, Mark is dedicated to delivering impactful projects that enhance healthcare environments and improve patient outcomes.
Deepa Rajkumar
AHP clinical lead inpatients and physiotherapist, South Of England Rehabilitation Centre, UK
Deepa is a passionate AHP Clinical Lead and Physiotherapist with experience in both India and the UK. Practicing in the UK since 2008, she is dedicated to innovative rehabilitation, keeping patients at the heart of care.
She played a key role in the design and development of the new Rehabilitation Unit of Excellence at the South of England Rehabilitation Centre. With extensive experience across acute and community services in Southampton, Hampshire, and Portsmouth, she has built strong professional networks to enhance patient flow and system efficiency.
Deepa collaborates closely with senior executives to ensure governance and seamless therapy services across four wards. Her leadership skills enable her to inspire teams, navigate complex challenges, and drive performance improvement. She is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, expertise, and compassion, ensuring high-quality patient care and ongoing professional development.
The benefits of joining up mental and physical health services
Abstract Copy
This paper presents the development of a new rehabilitation centre at Western Community Hospital in Southampton, which aims to transform rehabilitation services across the UK’s south-east region. The redevelopment has allowed the integration of all levels of rehabilitation, from Level 1 to Level 3, into one location, providing a centre of excellence for patients requiring intensive inpatient rehabilitation. The project is led by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, with the goal of delivering expert care to patients and improving overall service efficiency.The rehabilitation centre brings together specialist neurological, physical and mental health rehabilitation services, offering a streamlined and comprehensive experience for both patients and staff. Transformation of the estate provides the potential to enhance recovery times and enable the admission of patients with greater acuity, including those directly from ICU. Accelerating the transition to rehabilitation improves patient outcomes and helps free up acute care beds more quickly. This paper will examine the synergy between clinical services planning and building design, exploring how these elements support improved patient outcomes and how their impact can be measured.
Clinical services planning
This paper will outline the framework for managing higher-acuity patients, including the innovative use of community beds for flexible care, enabling faster step-up and step-down between acute and rehab settings. A new community hub integrates urgent response teams, virtual wards and outreach services to proactively manage frailty and long-term conditions, ensuring care is delivered closer to home.
Building design
The design of the facility complements the holistic approach to rehabilitation by focusing on reducing patient stress, enhancing interaction with nature and promoting social connection while maintaining a safe and visible clinical environment. Key architectural features, such as light-filled corridors, green walls, sensory planters and safe outdoor spaces, support both physical recovery and mental wellbeing. The design fosters a healing environment, encouraging movement and social engagement, which are crucial to the recovery process.
Results
The development of robust clinical pathways has led to improved care efficiency and effectiveness. Preliminary feedback indicates that the design has positively impacted patients, with many who were initially reluctant to leave their beds now mobilising, interacting with others and engaging in their recovery. Based on these early outcomes, the paper will discuss the potential for post-occupancy evaluation to quantify the benefits of the integrated clinical services and the therapeutic environment.
Learning Objectives
- Clinical pathway planning for rehabilitation services
- Building design for physical and mental wellbeing
- Fostering synergy between clinical and design professionals
P57
Equity, dignity and culture of care: An evidence-based design approach
Diana Nicholas
Associate professor, Drexel University, United States
D.S. Nicholas (Dee) established the Drexel Design Research for Health (DRDR4Health) lab, an Umbrella Lab that houses interdisciplinary research and scholarship, in 2013. She is a tenured Associate Professor and the Founding Director of the MS Design Program at Drexel University in Philadelphia. She also oversees the Sustainability in the Built Environment Minor. Dee holds a BARCH from Carnegie Mellon, an MFA from The University of the Arts, and a Social Science Ph.D. From Antioch University. Her work as a mentor, researcher, teacher, and colleague is primarily concerned with the health-supportive possibilities within our environments through biodesign, evidence-based design, creative co-design, and community-engaged practice. Current work focuses on aging in place including hospital retrofits for those with dementia, an evidence-based measure, The Mantua Creative Standard for Aging in Place (MCSAP), to retrofit spaces to support aging-in-place.
Equity, dignity and culture of care: An evidence-based design approach
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Over the past 40 years in healthcare, as buildings, products and services, and the roles they play in our lives and the environment, have become more intricate, the focus of design in health has changed to include data and research-driven processes (Chong et al., 2010; Nicholas et al., 2024; Wang & Groat, 2013). Healthcare services and spaces created through these patient-centred, evidence-based processes are models of recovery, reflection and reimagination. This case study research paper will present several project-based examples that undertake health and design research to implement novel solutions for improved care. These examples include a proposed dementia-friendly hospital room, a dementia-friendly mobile exam space and an older adult family caregiver kit for hospital stays. This work has arisen from over six years of collaboration with a large local teaching hospital, capped off with 18 months of participation as a part of the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Age Friendly Health Systems Action Community. Inculcated in these projects is the AHA’s 4Ms of care: medication, mentation, mobility and what matters to the patient (Penn State Nursing, 2024).Central to this paper and the projects presented here, is a community-driven culture of care for both patients and caregivers (Evan & Fischer, 2022; Fuentes, 2020; Lightburn et al., 2005; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2020). Considered an emerging approach in corporate and health environments, a 'culture of care' requires that the human necessity for dignity be the leading concern when creating solutions for those in need at all levels of engagement (Evan & Fischer, 2022).
Due to the complexity of design practice, especially in the healthcare space, these human and patient-centred approaches to design are increasingly necessary and are often developed through empirical design research (Chong et al., 2010; Frayling, 1994). Much work in this lab is underway to undertake physical, virtual and augmented reality simulations to develop spaces and solutions in this way, and the projects discussed here put patients at the centre of the care through both a service and space-driven approach.
Learning Objectives
- This presentation will assist attendees to consider how culture of care and design might create solutions for existing hospital environments to augment care
- Attendees will learn how evidence-based design can assist with hospital retrofits
- Attendees will learn about an empirical culture of care design approach
P58
Evaluating existing pain assessment tools in paediatric emergency care and barriers to adherence
Miranda Chan
MHSc student, University of Toronto, Canada
Miranda is a Master of Health Sciences candidate at the University of Toronto, in the Translational Research Program, focusing on finding creative solutions to patient centric problems. Fascinated by seeing problems through multiple lenses Miranda completed a Bachelor Arts Honours double majoring in psychology and biology at Carleton University.
Miranda has worked on a variety of different research projects that reflect her curiosity for numerous topics ranging from psychhophysiology to hematology to paediatrics. She is keen on mobilizing knowledge to help those that need it but cannot readily access it and promoting holistic healthcare.
Her current research focuses on pediatric validated pain assessment tools which coincides with her volunteer work at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in the emergency department. Interacting one-on-one with patients has given her the unique opportunity to hear their stories instead of reading a case transcribed by a secondary source.
Roofaidah Durdana Haque
MHSc student, University of Toronto, Canada
Roofaidah Haque is a Masters of Health Sciences student at the University of Toronto, in the Translational Research Program, focusing on healthcare innovation and patient-centered care. Roofaidah completed her Honors Bachelor of Sciences majoring in physiology and human biology. She hopes to focus on integrating evidence-based design to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Roofaidah has assisted in research projects on Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with the Faculty of Dentistry as well as the effect of full-fat dairy consumption on human health with the Department of Nutrition. Currently, she is working on her Master's capstone project with a focus on pediatric validated pain assessment tools. Roofaidah is passionate about advancing healthcare design to enhance the patient experiences.
Outside of school, Roofaidah is a Pharmacy Assistant at Shoppers Drug Mart and a swim instructor with the City of Toronto. Her hobbies include swimming, playing the piano, and crocheting. She likes listening to music and watching shows, with her top 3 being Modern Family, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Prison Break.
Manshi Maheswaran
MHSc student, University of Toronto, Canada
Manshi Maheswaran is a Master’s student in the Translational Research Program at the University of Toronto, driven by a deep passion for pediatrics and neurodevelopmental disorders. With a Bachelor of Science from Queen’s University, Manshi has cultivated a strong foundation in scientific research, which she now applies to developing innovative solutions to improve child health outcomes.
Her research interests focus on the intersection of neurodevelopment and translational medicine, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. She is particularly interested in early interventions and multidisciplinary approaches to enhance the quality of life and developmental outcomes for pediatric populations.
Manshi’s commitment to healthcare extends beyond research. She has volunteered in hospitals, supporting patients and nurses through compassionate care and assisting with patient needs. Additionally, she volunteered with Grandview Kids, where she worked closely with children with special needs to support their physical and social development. These experiences have reinforced her dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes for underserved communities, particularly children with complex medical needs.
Keshanah Raviendran
MHSc student, University of Toronto, Canada
Keshanah Raviendran is a Master’s student in the Translational Research Program at the University of Toronto, where she brings her interdisciplinary expertise to address challenges in pediatric healthcare and oncology. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Medical Science with a double major in Pharmacology and Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences from Western University, reflecting her strong foundation in biomedical science and commitment to patient-centered research.
Keshanah’s research focuses on pediatrics and cancer, with an emphasis on advancing innovative strategies for early detection and improving treatment outcomes in young patients. She is particularly passionate about translational science and precision medicine, aiming to bridge the gap between research and clinical application.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Keshanah volunteers at SickKids Hospital in the cancer unit, where she supports patients and their families during their treatment journeys. This hands-on experience has deepened her understanding of the emotional and physical challenges faced by children with cancer and the importance of compassionate, culturally sensitive care.
Keshanah is excited to contribute to the advancement of pediatric oncology and translational research through collaboration and knowledge exchange at this conference. She looks forward to engaging with fellow researchers to foster innovative solutions that benefit young patients and their families.
Evaluating existing pain assessment tools in paediatric emergency care and barriers to adherence
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In order to give paediatric patients the best care possible, trauma centres are required to follow evidence-based recommendations. Studies have revealed that adherence to these guidelines is still subpar, despite research claiming that compliance to these recommendations improves patient outcomes. The evaluation and treatment of pain in children who have experienced trauma is a major topic. For this vulnerable population to receive an accurate pain diagnosis and suitable care, standardised pain assessment instruments are crucial. However, little is known about the reasons for the inconsistent use or adherence to these strategies in practice. Using a translational research approach that actively incorporates key stakeholders in the process, this study aims to uncover the facilitators and barriers affecting adherence to standardised pain assessment methods in trauma clinics.The study seeks to address a number of important issues with the methods currently used for pain evaluation in paediatric trauma care. First, what procedures are currently in place for evaluating pain in kids who have been hurt, and how well do they satisfy the demands of the young audience? Second, are trauma centres utilising standardised pain assessment protocols? If not, why aren’t they? What obstacles do healthcare practitioners experience when adhering to the protocols? If they are being used, what enables them to do so successfully?
This is primarily a qualitative study that includes interviews with administrators, healthcare professionals and other pertinent stakeholders to collect data for the study. The information will shed light on the variables that affect the use of pain assessment instruments, including organisational culture, training, awareness, resources and the protocols' perceived applicability to paediatric care.
This study intends to support the development of solutions to enhance adherence to best practices by evaluating the challenges to, and facilitators of, implementing standardised pain assessments. By pointing out regions that require interventions to improve the quality of pain management, the findings will also benefit the larger field of paediatric trauma treatment. By making sure that standardised, evidence-based pain assessment instruments are applied successfully across trauma centres, this study ultimately aims to enhance the standard of care for paediatric trauma patients.
Learning Objectives
- Develop strategies for meaningful stakeholder engagement with healthcare providers to enhance research and care outcomes
- Understand and apply qualitative research techniques such as interviews to determine their appropriateness for studies on pain assessment in children
- Critically evaluate existing pain assessment tools for validity and reliability and identify opportunities for their enhancement in clinical settings
P59
User behaviours in living spaces for Individuals living with dementia: An analysis using behaviour mapping technique
Melike Yüksel
PhD student, Hacettepe University, Turkey
Currently pursuing a PhD in Interior Architecture and Environmental Design at Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye (2022 - present). Holds a Master’s degree from the same department at Hacettepe University (2019-2022) and a Bachelor’s degree from Bilkent University (2013-2018). Completed a research traineeship at Politecnico di Milano, Department of Design, in Milan, Italy (September - November 2022). Currently works as a Communications Specialist for SEECO, a European Union-funded project supporting social entrepreneurship and cohesion.
User behaviours in living spaces for Individuals living with dementia: An analysis using behaviour mapping technique
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Dementia is a progressive process that affects the psychological, cognitive and functional capacity of the person, with deterioration in brain structure. This syndrome causes profound changes in an individual's relationship with their physical environment. As dementia progresses, it gradually limits the person’s ability to interact with the environment.This study investigates the spatial navigation, orientation and wayfinding behaviours of individuals living with dementia. The primary aim is to understand the potential barriers that prevent independent access and mobility for people living with dementia within their living environments, and to provide data that can inform design approaches better suited to the needs of this user group. This is achieved by analysing the users' spatial relationships, preferences and wayfinding behaviours. The study concentrated on a sample of five individuals diagnosed with moderate to advanced dementia, which represents the most common level of spatial challenges. The participants resided in an elderly care centre in Turkey, where the ageing population and prevalence of dementia have recently increased. Inferences regarding the connection between user behaviours and spatial design were made using behavioural mapping, a technique that visualises people's spatial movements and behaviours. This approach was deemed suitable for understanding the spatial choices, orientation strategies and wayfinding behaviours of individuals with dementia who experience memory deficits.
The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the spatial factors that impact the living environments of people with dementia. By illuminating the challenges and needs of this population, the study provides valuable insights to inform the design of supportive and enabling spaces that can enhance their quality of life and promote independence for as long as possible.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding the relationship between space use and behaviour of individuals with dementia
- Interpreting behavioural patterns of individuals with dementia
- Providing data for user-centred design
P60
Towards user-centred healthcare architecture: Teaching post-occupancy evaluation in design education in Delft and Vienna
Jelle Koolwijk
Researcher, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
Jelle Koolwijk is a researcher dedicated to improving collaboration and process innovation in the construction industry. With a PhD from TU Delft, his expertise lies in understanding inter-organisational structures, their influence on human behaviour, and how individuals shape and utilise these frameworks. His research emphasises creating smarter, more efficient construction practices to address the sector's growing complexity and labour shortages.
Jelle has a rich background in research, including his involvement in NWO-funded projects such as VR-Renovate and uVital, which leverage virtual reality to improve tenant communication and prevent supply chain disruptions. As an action researcher, he plays a key role in fostering long-term strategic partnerships between housing corporations and specialsed contractors, focusing on programme management and collaborative practices. Furthermore, his broad interests include the impact of building design on the wellbeing of staff and patients in academic hospitals.
A recipient of the prestigious 2021 RISE Award, Jelle's publications have been recognised at international conferences and in leading journals. He is also the author of books on project alliances and supplier management. Beyond academia, his international experience includes research in Australia on project alliances and innovation training at Harvard Design School. His professional background spans project development, tender management and governance roles in the construction industry.
Maja Kevdzija
Assistant professor in healthcare design, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Austria
Dr-Ing Maja Kevdzija, EDAC is an Assistant professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at TU Wien, Austria, in the field of healthcare design. She has extensive experience in conducting empirical research, using the mixed-methods approach (observation, shadowing, interview) in close contact with vulnerable populations in healthcare environments, and in teaching research methods examining the relationship between the built environment and its users. Her research on mobility-supporting rehabilitation centres for stroke patients was awarded multiple awards, most notably the Healthcare Environment Award 2020 (USA), the 2021 European Healthcare Design Award in the 'Design Research' category (UK), and the 2021 EDRA Certificate of Research Excellence (CORE) with Merit Status (USA).
Milica Vujovic
Assitant professor, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Austria
Milica Vujovic is an Assistant professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at TU Wien, where she teaches courses on the advanced design of data-informed design and social infrastructure. With an interest in evidence-based design, Milica's research integrates computer science, data science and mechatronics principles to inform architectural practices through scientific methodologies. Her expertise is gathering, processing, analysing and visualising data using contemporary methods and tools. Milica's previous research projects have involved deploying multimodal sensor systems to collect data on human behaviour, enabling a deeper understanding of the environmental impacts on different behavioural patterns. Additionally, she has explored environmental characteristics and developed methods to detect and measure their influences.
Milica is also actively involved in interdisciplinary research collaborations. One of them is the Sustainable and Healthy Environments (SHE) Lab at the Melbourne School of Design. Together, they work on projects integrating internet of things (IoT) devices and novel data acquisition techniques in office environments. These collaborations underscore commitment to advancing sustainable and health-conscious design practices through innovative partnerships and cutting-edge research methodologies. In addition to her teaching and research, Milica serves as the head of the Spatial Interest Group 'Knowledge Discovery in Architecture' at the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CAIML) at TU Wien. In this role, she drives initiatives to leverage AI and machine learning techniques to address spatial design challenges and enhance architectural practices. Through her multifaceted roles in teaching, research and interdisciplinary collaboration, Milica is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation and promoting sustainable, human-centric design solutions.
Clarine van Oel
Associate professor, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
Clarine van Oel is an environmental psychologist and Associate professor in the Department of Management in the Built Environment, TU Delft. Her research focuses on how visualisations of buildings, spaces and places facilitate communication between professionals and lay users, like residents and patients. Visual tools, such as virtual reality (VR), act as boundary objects (BOs) that bridge diverse stakeholder perspectives during participatory design and decision-making processes.
She leads two NWO projects exploring VR’s potential to empower social housing tenants during sustainable renovations. In uVital, VR modules were developed to enhance tenant engagement in collaboration with Acantus and international partners. VR-Renovate complemented this by refining VR tools for immersive visualisation and feedback. Both projects are now nearing completion.
Clarine co-founded the Health@BK graduation lab, where students work with care providers to explore patient-centred healthcare design. She also collaborates with Erasmus MC to replicate Ulrich’s (1984) study on the benefits of greenery views for patients, leveraging the hospital’s roof gardens.
With over 15 years of experience in public health and psychiatry, Clarine’s interdisciplinary expertise enriches her work at the intersection of environmental psychology and the built environment.
Liesbeth van Heel
Senior policy advisor and Researcher, Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC), The Netherlands
Trained in facility management and business economics, Liesbeth van Heel joined Erasmus MC in 1992. She worked in the facilities management department, was an administrator for the department of paediatric surgery and served on the the Executive Board's staff, before joining the hospital's redevelopment project management team in 2001. After years of working as the university hospital real estate professional, leading a small team of experts (PMO), her focus shifted to co-ordinating the alignment of the various strategic programmes within Erasmus MC toward a safe relocation in May 2018 in the new hospital building, with suitable work processes, logistics and IT support.
She is a Board member of the European Health Property Network (EuHPN). She co-coordinated the scientific programme evaluation of Our New Erasmus MC (PE-ONE, between 2017 and 2023), which focused on infection prevention, experiences with wards with 100 per cent single rooms and stakeholder engagement. Currently, she combines her PhD work with her role as Senior advisor within the Strategy Team of Erasmus MC's Real Estate Directorate.
Harry van Goor
Professor of surgical education, Radboudumc, Netherlands
Harry van Goor, MD, PhD, FRCS is a Professor of surgical education and innovator at the Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc). He leads several technology tracks in the ‘less bricks, more bytes, different behaviour’ programme to improve the care and wellbeing of patients and healthcare workers in and outside the hospital, including intuitive personalised wayfinding, continuous monitoring with wearable devices and predictive analytics, VR therapy and VR education, ambient intelligence and personalised healing environments in the hospital and at home. He runs a project of home-facilitated VR (p)rehabilitation (e.g. long-Covid rehab) and VR4Pain management in a virtually connected care solution.
Harry has published over 400 peer-reviewed papers in a broad field of surgical care, medical device development and digital technology-supported care innovation. He coaches several start-up companies in the field of digital technology-supported healthcare and design in a ‘learning by doing’ and ‘digital by design’ way. Harry was awarded Digital Innovator of the Year 2022 in the Netherlands.
He is a Frank Lloyd Wright connoisseur, living with his wife in a FLW-designed Usonian house.
Towards user-centred healthcare architecture: Teaching post-occupancy evaluation in design education in Delft and Vienna
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In architectural education and practice, the evaluation of a building’s functional, psychosocial and social performance – its ability to meet user needs – is often neglected (Brown, 2018). Post-occupancy evaluation (POE), a systematic approach to assessing whether buildings fulfill their design intentions and respond to both explicit and implicit user needs, offers a promising solution to this oversight (Lehane, 2022). Despite its potential, architectural education often prioritises conceptual design, with project evaluations heavily influenced by subjective opinions of professors, visiting critics and peers. This approach leaves students with limited insight into how their designs perform in real-world contexts (Duffy, 2008). Research indicates that integrating POE into architectural training can help students better understand design effectiveness and prevent recurring design flaws (Hay et al., 2017; Brown, 2019). Furthermore, architects trained to apply POE methods are better equipped to create spaces that meet user expectations over time, thereby reducing the likelihood of premature building modifications (RIBA, 2017).This paper presents how two courses teach POE to their students, one at the faculty of architecture at Delft University of Technology and the other at the faculty of architecture at Technische Universität Wien. We illustrate how students in these courses are taught to apply POE, focusing on healthcare environments through a structured research process. The courses at both universities teach students to conduct POE in real-life healthcare settings, such as Klinik Floridsdorf and Erasmus MC. Students are introduced to a research question and trained to develop appropriate data collection techniques, including observations and interviews. They gather both quantitative and qualitative data, which they then analyse by integrating findings from multiple methods. The process emphasises linking user feedback with observations of building performance to foster a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between physical design and user experience.
The structured POE training process enabled students to develop a deeper understanding of how design impacts users over time. By applying POE methods, students gained insights into the practical implications of designs and learned about user needs in healthcare environments. We will discuss the potential benefits of integrating POE in architectural training for students, faculty and the architectural profession as a whole.
Learning Objectives
- Recognise the importance of user-centred design
- Develop skills in conducting POE
- Apply POE in the context of healthcare environments
P61
Point of entry – filling the gaps for improved outcomes
Jane Rohde
Founder and president, Live Together, USA
Jane Rohde is the Founder of JSR Associates, Inc. Her passion and design work serve vulnerable populations with the goal of achieving equitable access to housing, care, and services. She sits on various healthcare and sustainability committees supporting research, advocacy, and humanistic approaches to care and community design. Jane is also the founder of Live Together, Inc., a nonprofit focusing on intergenerational care models and demonstration projects combined with workforce development opportunities to improve quality of life for residents of all ages.
Jane is the first Changemaker Awardee for Environments for Aging from The Center for Health Design, received an ASID Design for Humanity Award, and is recognized as an Honorary Alumni of Clemson University’s Architecture + Health program. She is recognized as one of top ten Women in Design in healthcare and senior living design, received the Pioneer Award from the Facility Guidelines Institute, honored as a Green Globes Fellow by the Green Building Initiative, and recognized as an Impact Icon by ecomedes.
William Hercules
Founder and CEO, WJH Health, USA
Bill Hercules empowers healthcare leadership teams to shape their future places of care. Having planned and/or executed architecture totaling more than 35msf and $13Bpv, Bill’s bold cross-disciplinary ideation accelerates mission alignment and attracts the future. Almost 12 years ago, Bill founded WJH Health, a global consultancy that resolves the place of care at the nexus of mission, performance, and experience.
His passion for applied learning has elevated him to be the only practicing global triple-Fellow in the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA), and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). He is a global expert in healthcare design with more than 160 printed and spoken publications and supported more than 50 professionals in pursuit of advanced fellowships and certifications.
He was recently elected to AIA’s College of Fellows Executive Committee to serve as bursar and will eventually serve as its chancellor in 2028 and is past president of the ACHA and recently led the Well-being study for the national AIA Strategic Council which led to the passage of the national AIA Health and Wellbeing Policy resolution and leads an award-winning research team pioneering the intersection of design and bioethics.
Point of entry – filling the gaps for improved outcomes
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The healthcare 'continuum' is full of interruptions that impact the outcomes of individuals and families. Leland Kaiser was a futurist and inspiring systems thinker. He talked about using systems thinking as the context for describing the future of hospitals and healthier communities. Now more than ever, there is a need for a systems approach to integrate care within supportive built environments that focus on the care populations being served and the fulfilment of service and care co-ordination that is often lacking.By mapping the built environment with the relevant staff and care population, we will identify the gaps that can be filled with improvements to the built environment, operations, technology use and training and education. Each scenario presented begins with understanding the demographic accessing care and services and their needs from a community-based perspective. Person-centred approaches include following individuals through various situations and circumstances that include the decision-tree trifecta: care, the built environment and positive outcomes.
Join us to discuss case studies that evaluate several point-of-entry scenarios demonstrating gaps that, once filled, can be supportive of a true continuum of care. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Learning Objectives
- Discover gaps in the care continuum from an individual patient perspective
- Learn through case studies and scenarios how to identify gaps in the care continuum
- Use a mapping exercise to demonstrate a systems approach to fill gaps in the care continuum for improved outcomes
P62
Introducing the Silent Hospital: Reducing noise on wards to improve patient and staff experience
Carolyn Garman
Head of communications and engagement, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom
Carolyn Garman is the Head of Communications and Engagement, Major Capital Projects, at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust. One of her key areas of focus is to support the construction of the Women and Children's Hospital, which is part of the New Hospital Programme. This is a much-needed facility that will enable the Trust to provide outstanding care for the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for years to come.
Alexis Carlyon
Programme manager, Women and Children’s Hospital; Deputy associate director, Major Capital Projects, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
Alexis has more than 20 years’ experience as a healthcare planner, working across a range of clients - from private companies and construction contractors to public sector healthcare organisations including the NHS. She has been involved in Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) schemes, Private Finance Initiatives (PFIs), primary care and acute healthcare schemes both in the UK and in the Middle East. In November 2021, Alexis joined the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, after 18 years of service with specialist healthcare planning consultancy, MJ Medical where she was a consultant, and senior health and equipment planner. She has played in instrumental role in the design for the New Hospital Programme’s new Women and Children’s Hospital for Cornwall.
Introducing the Silent Hospital: Reducing noise on wards to improve patient and staff experience
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Imagine a quieter, calmer postnatal ward, where mothers and babies can rest and recover without constant interruptions. At the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT), we have been making this a reality with the Silent Hospital Pilot evaluation project. The initiative aims to reduce noise and alarm fatigue on the hospital’s postnatal ward by silencing traditional call bells and replacing them with a digital alert system. By routing patient calls quietly and directly to smartphones carried by midwives and nursing staff, RCHT has created a more peaceful and supportive environment for both patients and staff.It's all part of our digital estates plan to evaluate smart communication technology in preparation for our new Women and Children’s Hospital. The New Hospital Programme wants to see significant digital transformation across trust estates as part of its plans. At RCHT, we collaborated with DNV Imatis and Wandsworth Healthcare to silence the call bells. Engagement with Kernow Maternity Voices Partnership and ward staff and patients was essential, so they participated in the design and needs very early on. Information leaflets were circulated to patients on the ward, and a training pack was produced for staff, using a train-the-trainer and superuser model.
The project was introduced on the postnatal ward where the technology could be assessed by receptive patients and staff alike. The idea is to quieten down the ward, helping patients to get better quality sleep and rest, and for staff to not endure 'alarm fatigue'. We took acoustic measurements and response time data logs on the ward, pre and post 'switch on'. We conducted surveys with staff and patients, pre-pilot and throughout the trial, to gain qualitative data. We employed a patient leader for the project who undertook detailed data analysis around noise reduction, patient length of stay, call response times and staff productivity, as well as the wellbeing of patients and staff.
Patients and staff alike have really embraced the modern technology and are keen to continue to trial extended digital capabilities on the ward. Mums reported that they and their babies were more relaxed and enjoyed better sleep quality. Staff reported a vast improvement in the work environment with far fewer interruptions and a much quieter ward. Now, we are on our way to proving that these factors enable faster recovery and reduce patients’ average length of stay by half a day.
Learning Objectives
- To reduce noise levels and understand the impact of noise reduction on the postnatal ward
- To understand the impact of the new technology on patient and staff experience and wellbeing
- To establish any correlation between a quiet ward environment with recovery and length of stay
P63
Developing design and legislation in tandem
Christine Chadwick
Managing director, Archus Canada
Christine has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, including many executive and leadership roles. Christine brings system-wide expertise and skills, including strategy/visioning, health services planning, functional programming, lean thinking, digi-physical visioning, and stakeholder engagement at all levels and input into healthcare planning. Christine is Co-chair of the CSA Z8005 (Digital infrastructure and digital technologies in healthcare facilities). She also sits as an sssociate member of the CSA Health Care Facilities Technical Committee (Z257 TC).
Alongside her technical expertise, Christine is a passionate advocate for developing the next generation of healthcare leaders. She is a Mentor in Residence and a sessional lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine and Innovation, a mentor for the Women’s Infrastructure Network and Founding president of the Canadian Women’s Circle of Healthcare (CWCH).
Mark Reilly-Usher
Associate director, Archus, United Kingdom
Mark is a senior Healthcare Planner with extensive experience across the care spectrum. Mark also spent 12 years working in the UK National Health Service (NHS) as a Service Manager in both acute and primary care services and as a Capital Planning Manager. He possesses excellent facilitation skills in the development of clinical briefing documents and a thorough understanding of healthcare processes. Whilst working in the NHS and subsequently in consulting, Mark has had significant experience in the planning and commissioning of facilities across the whole healthcare economy.
Developing design and legislation in tandem
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Archus was commissioned to develop the clinical services programme, functional programme and business case for the first mental health wellness centres in Alberta, Canada, in response to the needs of a new proposed Act. The Act would give police and family members or legal guardians of drug users the ability to refer adults and youth into involuntary treatment if they pose a risk to themselves and others. The first policy of its kind in Canada, if passed, it is part of the wider model of recovery and treatment, while reducing harm reduction resources such as supervised consumption sites.Alberta experiences a well-documented opioid crisis, with 1,565 opioid related deaths in 2023. The Government is committed to implementing the ‘Alberta Recovery Model’, adopting a recovery-orientated approach for addiction and mental health, and has already begun to implement many of the recommendations of the ‘Toward an Alberta Model of Wellness’ report, published in 2022, including:
• publicly-funded addiction treatment spaces;
• Virtual Opioid Dependency Program;
• substance use surveillance system;
• recovery communities across the province, providing long-term residential addiction treatment, including on First Nations lands.
In acknowledging that conventional self-directed approaches have been ineffective in more severe cases of addiction, it is recognised that there is a need for expanded treatment supports and pathways for those who are at risk of harm to themselves and others because of their substance use.
Due to the new nature of the concept (only Portugal and California have something similar), this commission required the co-working of parallel workstreams to develop legislation, the clinical programme, the operational model and the design. While much of the legislation was developed in isolation, there was significant degree of co-working in order to understand how the clinical and functional programmes impacted the legislation and vice versa.
The initial programme is to provide adult and youth facilities, and there is already interest in other provinces in the concept, its roll-out and impact.
The presentation will explain in greater detail:
• the developing mental health and addiction model in Alberta;
• the approach to the parallel workstreams;
• the challenges and opportunities that arose;
• the clinical programme, including addressing the ethical concerns of what is a 'new concept';
• the functional programme and design, including 'clinical, not correctional' design and how to address demand vs capacity;
• the business case, including the limited standardisation of an approach to business case delivery in Canada, and the different expectations from the organisations involved about what a 'good' business case should include.
Learning Objectives
- Clinical and functional programmes and impact on legislation
- Recovery-oriented approach for addiction and mental health
- Co-working of parallel workstreams
P64
Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre: Redefining outpatient care
Laura Hann
Principal, Parkin Architects, Canada
BIO – Laura Hann, M.Arch. OAA, RAIC, EDAC, Principal
Laura exudes a genuine passion for people, fostering profound connections with clients to craft environments that authentically mirror their needs. Her ability to synthesize these insights into the built environment reflects her understanding of client aspirations. Laura's diverse experiences, including international studies and work, have honed her acute sensitivity to the world around her.
Within Parkin, she leads the Parkin EBD Committee, PM Toolkit Committee and Project Delivery Committee, contributing actively to these and various other office initiatives. Laura also enthusiastically works with our students as the Toronto Co-Op Student Supervisor, providing mentorship and guidance to our emerging talent.
In her role as Project Architect, Project Manager, and Planner, Laura spearheads the design process, orchestrating seamless coordination within the design team. She actively participates in client and user group meetings, ensuring that every design element aligns meticulously with the project's requirements. Laura's multifaceted role underscores her dedication to delivering designs that resonate with clients on a profound level while embodying the highest standards of functionality and innovation.
Robin Snell
Director, Parkin Architects, Canada
As a Director with Parkin, Robin is an experienced healthcare architect who has worked on a wide range of projects across Canada for more than 30 years. He is passionate about healthcare and uses his leadership skills to guide complex projects to successful outcomes. Robin is an enthusiastic advocate for evidence-based design and is an EDAC and LEED accredited professional, leading recent healthcare projects in Ontario, Atlantic Canada and British Columbia.
Recently nominated as a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Robin’s expertise is recognised on a national level where he serves as the Vice-chair of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Technical Committee for Health Care Facilities. He’s also an active member of several CSA healthcare design subcommittees, including Z-8000 for Canadian healthcare facility design and other standards including wayfinding, area measurement, and design studies and post-occupancy evaluation.
Rebecca MacDonald
Principal, Parkin Architects, Canada
BIO – Rebecca MacDonald, M.Arch, EDAC, Principal
Rebecca advocates passionately for human-centred design, directing her expertise towards planning and crafting healthcare facilities that cultivate wellness and inspiration. She is dedicated to enhancing the healthcare experience for patients and staff through meticulous study of existing practices and seamless integration of innovative solutions, design elements, and processes.
With a unique background as both a client and a consultant, Rebecca brings invaluable insights to the strategic challenges faced by healthcare clients. Her exceptional ability to connect with clients and foster collaborative engagement among all project stakeholders is a testament to her proficiency. Rebecca has made significant contributions during critical project phases, including clinical planning and conceptual design across various DBFM projects during the RFQ and pursuit stages.
Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre: Redefining outpatient care
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The Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre (BLCOC) represents a transformative approach to healthcare design, emphasising population health, the intersection of design and clinical medicine, and the role of art and architecture in promoting prevention and keeping patients healthy. Located near Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, BLCOC is part of a broader initiative to decentralise healthcare services and make care more accessible to residents of the Greater Halifax Region. This new facility not only delivers critical outpatient services, such as primary care, diagnostic imaging and specialised therapy, but also integrates advanced technologies and architectural innovations to support wellness and improve patient outcomes.Initially, the presentation will focus on population health and describe how the BLCOC moves beyond a traditional focus on illness to create a wellness-focused ecosystem. The presentation will demonstrate how flexible space utilisation, digital appointment systems and telehealth integration offers personalised and efficient care. By allowing for virtual consultations alongside in-person services, the facility maximises the reach and effectiveness of healthcare delivery, fostering healthy communities by breaking down geographical and technological barriers. The integration of services and technologies ensures that patients receive care in a seamless, timely and compassionate manner.
Secondly, the presentation will explore how the facility exemplifies the intersection of design and clinical medicine, particularly through its human-centric architecture. The Great Hall, a central feature of the facility, is a double-height glazed space that serves as a welcoming and restorative environment for patients, families and staff. The building’s modular design, with adaptable clinical spaces, allows for the flexibility necessary to meet changing healthcare needs and technological advancements. This adaptability is crucial in an era of evolving medical practices and patient expectations, offering both functional and humanistic solutions to clinical service planning.
Lastly, the presentation will walk through how art and architecture play a pivotal role in promoting wellbeing, dignity and identity within the BLCOC. The thoughtful design incorporates natural light, soothing colours and views of the surrounding Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area to enhance emotional healing and recovery. The careful selection of materials and attention to detail in spaces dedicated to patient privacy contribute to a sense of dignity and respect. Communal spaces foster social interaction and emotional support, while evidence-based design principles ensure the facility is functional, accessible and safe.
BLCOC sets a new standard for healthcare architecture, blending cutting-edge technology with an empathetic, patient-centred design that prioritises the holistic needs of both patients and staff.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding the role of architecture in population health
- Exploring the intersection of design and clinical medicine
- Evaluating the impact of art and design on wellbeing and dignity
P65
Designing spaces for medically-assisted deaths
Cindy Walker
Manager, Facility Programming, Vancouver Coastal Health, Canada
Cindy Walker, B Sc., BID, is a designer by background and the Manager of the Facility Programming team at Vancouver Coastal Health. She has developed a team within the health authority to support the planning documentation and programming requirements for a variety of services across the region. She is committed to fostering innovation, incorporating new insights, and advancing quality outcomes in all aspects of her work.
Laurel Plewes
Operational director, Vancouver Coast Health, Canada
Laurel Plewes, MSN, RN, is a pediatric nurse by background and the Operational Director for a MAiD program within British Columbia. She has created the Assisted Dying Program within her health authority, and continues to support the evolution of the MAiD programs across the country. Additionally, she creates local, provincial and national policy and practice procedures with the intent to provide excellent patient care. She sits on the Board of Directors of Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers, and is involved in local and national research initiatives.
Designing spaces for medically-assisted deaths
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Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) is increasingly becoming legal in countries across the world. Within Canada, where MAiD became legal in 2016, patients can receive care in any care area, save a few. Within British Columbia, faith-based healthcare facilities can opt out of supporting MAiD. A request to receive MAiD within those facilities requires the patient to move from where they receive care to an alternate clinical space with a secular healthcare provider. To limit the movement and clinician manifestations of being moved at the end of life, adjacent spaces were created. These spaces are close to faith-based facilities, and most allow for patients to remain in their bed while being transferred. This adjacent space creation has been different for a variety of reasons, both in its conceptualisation and in its creation. For design, the process can elicit questions such as “what is considered a good death and how can design support that aim" and “how is designing for MAiD different than other healthcare options”.The answers to these questions do change. The clinical team has supported the creation of five spaces, thus far, and more are being considered. With each iteration of the space, learnings from the previous creation are brought into the new build; these learnings include the requirement to not share the space, and the essential need for the space to meet the cultural needs of all patients and their families. Creating these spaces presents a design opportunity to support and honour the clinical care option taking place, while also trying to meet the needs of patients from a wide variety of backgrounds while they experience the death of a loved one.
Additionally, it has been noted that creating these spaces is different from other builds. Design and clinical teams have not only experienced the need to support collaborators through the ethical consideration and justification as to why these spaces are clinically necessary, but also have had to alter designs and processes in order to address concerns about the deceased patient being seen. These additional complexities are unanticipated labour that can slow or halt a project if not addressed sensitively.
As MAiD becomes legal in a more and more countries, these design experiences and their implications need to be explained, examined and discussed.
Learning Objectives
- Examine elements of design that are essential in spaces that support MAiD
- Examine the unique ethical issues that are present when designing spaces for MAiD
- Discuss how personal experience and perspectives might play into design
P66
The expansion in the transition towards community healthcare – a global perspective
Justin Harris
Global practice group director, Arcadis, UK
Justin is an Architect and Global practice group director in the Architecture and Urbanism group at Arcadis. With over 20 years of experience in a range of projects, the majority of his work has focused on healthcare, including projects across the full healthcare spectrum, from acute, out of hospital, supportive housing, master planning and healthcare strategy. With an interest in innovative healthcare systems and how they relate to supporting health and wellbeing and the sustainability of healthcare systems, Justin works across the firm's global regions in areas including healthcare strategy, master planning, infrastructure development and digital healthcare environments.
Justin has recently been working on New Hospital Programme projects in the UK, while also involved in the transforming the Kasr El Ainy Hospital in downtown Cairo.
Justin, a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, collaborates with our global healthcare leads in bringing best practice ideas to Arcadis's clients. Justin has contributed to guidance for NHS England, through the Healthy New Towns programme, focusing on developing integrated health and wellbeing facilities.
Danielle Simpson
Principal, Arcadis, United States
Danielle serves the healthcare sector as an experienced project manager and architect Principal in Arcadis' Los Angeles office.
The expansion in the transition towards community healthcare – a global perspective
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As our global healthcare systems continue to evolve and transition, within Arcadis we are seeing some global trends emerging in the work that we do. Our client base across our European and North American regions vary – from healthcare systems, academic healthcare systems to contractors and local authorities – yet whether the healthcare system is public or private, we are continuing to see, through completed projects, a continued transition of care away from the acute setting.Through examination of a series of exemplar case studies, our presentation will present effective ways in which this is being achieved, alongside key issues which each individual scheme is further responding to, because of its regional context.
In the UK, our work in Wales, such as the Bevan Health and Wellbeing Centre in Tredegar, reflects the ambition of the local health board to transform its clinical futures, supporting the population health of the local community. The development, built in the hometown of Aneurin Bevan, the founder of the NHS, opened in January 2024, and respects the sustainability objectives of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. This example demonstrates how an aligned healthcare system can focus on community healthcare investment to reduce activity in an acute setting, while providing a greater level of community support.
In North America, our work with academic healthcare systems, in both Miami and San Diego, follows a similar trend, whereby the co-location of a variety of healthcare specialists work collaboratively to support individuals’ health and wellbeing. Service offerings are bespoke to each facility, reflecting the needs of local communities and providing access to key service lines, with the added academic overlay of creating research opportunities into community health and wellbeing.
Common design themes around flexibility, reflecting opportunities to continue to flex and vary services over time, human experience, efficiency in operation and a drive to increasing the level of sustainability are evident in all of these schemes.
Learning Objectives
- Improving preventative health
- Sustainability
- Investment
P67
A village apart
Amelia Swaby
Architectural designer, P+HS Architects, United Kingdom
Amelia Swaby is a Part II architectural assistant at P+HS Architects. She is currently undertaking her master’s qualifications as part of the Degree Apprenticeship at Northumbria University, meaning that she works 80% of the time in the office and 20% at university, aiming to qualify as an architect in 2026.
With over four years of experience at P+HS Architects, Amelia has worked on a number of both residential and healthcare projects and, as a result, has developed a keen interest in designing inclusive sustainable environments with a particular interest in dementia-friendly and age-friendly spaces.
A village apart
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This research paper was produced as part of a written thesis for a Master’s degree apprenticeship in architecture at Northumbria University. Through continued research into the topic of later-living housing, it became apparent that most, if not all, of the purpose-built ‘retirement’ developments (including extra care facilities and sheltered housing) currently being designed and built today are age-exclusive, intended only for residents aged 55 and over.With the divide between ages continuing to grow within the country, research was conducted to investigate possible age-integrated retirement communities – and the results yielded were minimal, leading to the following research questions.
- Why are current retirement communities within the UK age-segregated?
- Is creating age-segregated communities harmful to the wider context?
- How do residents within retirement communities feel about living in an age-segregated environment?
- What are the benefits of intergenerational approaches within retirement communities?
- How can we design communities with a more intergenerational lens?
- Could intergenerational living become a positive preventative measure, reducing hospital referrals and admissions?
The research ‘A Village Apart’ aims to explore the concept of age segregation and the effects it has on wellbeing, social integration and links to ageism while evaluating the impact this has on retirement communities within the UK, and to investigate whether we should be looking more deeply into intergenerational approaches in order to design and create more holistic and sustainable environments for people to age in, thereby reducing the strain on the NHS.
Several interviews were conducted with a range of experts from different sectors, including healthcare professionals, council members and housing developers, alongside current residents within age-exclusive retirement housing, in order to better understand attitudes, opinions and potential barriers to intergenerational living.
The overall results of this paper intend to demonstrate the benefits of intergenerational connection and hopefully inspire architects, designers and policy makers to adopt a more intergenerational lens in future schemes.
Learning Objectives
- To study the physical and mental health impacts of age segregation
- To address how intergenerational connection can benefit the wider society
- To understand how architects can design with a more intergenerational lens
P68
Consent to organ donation. The places of communication sensations and perceptions between architecture and neuroscience
Caterina Frisone
Scientific director, Università IUAV di Venezia, Italy
Caterina Frisone is the founder and Scientific director of the Master in Architecture and Health, a course that she designed after five years of experience (2017–2022) in the healthcare sector in England. For her PhD in Architecture of Care at Oxford Brookes University, she tested the hypotheses of her research by visiting hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country and lived for four months in three different Maggie's Centres (cancer care centres) where she carried out her fieldwork, personally testing the therapeutic role that high-quality architecture has on people. Exploring this theme and investigating the interdisciplinarity between architecture and neuroscience, her book 'The Therapeutic Power of Maggie's Centre' (Routledge, 2024) aims to inspire architects, doctors, students and all those who research the relationship between architecture and health.
Chiara Lago
Architect, University of Architecture IUAV of Venice, Italy
Chiara Lago graduated from the University Iuav of Venice in architecture for sustainability in 2006. After various specialisation courses, she now works at the Hospital Construction office of the Veneto Region (Italy), dealing with the construction of new hospitals and healthcare facilities in the area. In 2024 she attended the Master in Architecture and Health programme, graduating with the thesis “Consent to organ donation. Places of the communication: feelings and perceptions between architecture and neuroscience” which addresses the topic of communication between doctors and family members regarding the end of life and organ donation. Proposing a dedicated room that should be a mandatory technical requirement for every hospital, she turned to neuroscience convinced that knowledge of human biology and brain functions in relation to the built environment are crucial aspects to support the user experience especially in situations of great stress.
Consent to organ donation. The places of communication sensations and perceptions between architecture and neuroscience
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In Italian hospitals, the rooms where the staff communicate the end of life and the request for organ donation to the patient's family members are inadequate. Often, this conversation takes place in a medical examination room or in a doctor's office, where, for the family, knowing about the death of their loved one is already a cause of trauma. However, it has been shown that, if the place is 'human', welcoming and comfortable, and people are prepared, the dialogue between healthcare staff and family members and the final decision are facilitated, allowing a mourning experience without adding further stress.This research concerns both the topic of organ donation from an architectural perspective – the need to invest in the quality of communication spaces – and the role of neuroscience, which studies the brain activities that come into play when people experience critical moments. The aim of this research is, therefore, to create architectural spaces and environmental features that can support healthcare staff and family members in the process, also considering that, according to neuroscience, the memory of this circumstance could correspond to a biographical rupture in the subjects' lives, a turning point that could change radically their habits.
The case study, at the San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza, concluded with a design hypothesis for a room, exemplary but not exhaustive, but which aims to be a model of 'humanisation', capable of improving empathic communication and spatial perception. To support the study, a virtual figure, Jack, who guides the user through the project in a video, was introduced. This virtual figure not only helps visualise the architectural model, but also provides the experiential dimension of the space, expressing feelings and emotions that we could also feel in delicate contexts such as that of death or organ donation.
The study generated a set of design parameters available for designers to test on future projects aimed at supporting those who give and receive information about the end of life. Taking into account the principles of humanisation and, therefore, considering the patient as a person and not only as a sick subject – at the centre of care with not only material, but also psychological and spiritual needs – these guidelines are only the beginning of a path that aims to give a concrete answer to the shortage of Italian hospitals and become a requirement of hospital design regulations, of which humanisation is already a mandatory requirement.
Learning Objectives
- The role of spaces for end-of-life communication and organ donation requests
- What empathic human-environment communication is and what a space that supports that is
- The path to follow to change the regulations of hospital design
P69
Sound and music as integral elements of the healing process in hospital design: Analysis of the case of neurorehabilitation inpatient care
Lea Seide
Architect, University IUAV of Venice, Italy
Léa Seide is a young Lebanese-French architect and musician. She graduated from the University Iuav of Venice in 2022, where in 2024, she obtained a master degree in Architecture and Health. Thanks to her musical background, cultivated over many years, she developed a heightened sensitivity to the emotional and therapeutic qualities of spaces. Her thesis investigated the integration of music into hospital environments to enhance the experience and well-being of patients. This theme found application in the new Padova Est hospital, a competition won in 2024 by Politecnica (Florence), where she completed her internship. The hospital is set to be built in the coming years. Focusing on the design of healthcare facilities, Seide intends to continue her research on music, which remains a constant source of inspiration in her work, shaping her approach to creating environments where architecture and sound collaborate to promote healing and well-being.
Caterina Frisone
Scientific director, Università IUAV di Venezia, Italy
Caterina Frisone is the founder and Scientific director of the Master in Architecture and Health, a course that she designed after five years of experience (2017–2022) in the healthcare sector in England. For her PhD in Architecture of Care at Oxford Brookes University, she tested the hypotheses of her research by visiting hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country and lived for four months in three different Maggie's Centres (cancer care centres) where she carried out her fieldwork, personally testing the therapeutic role that high-quality architecture has on people. Exploring this theme and investigating the interdisciplinarity between architecture and neuroscience, her book 'The Therapeutic Power of Maggie's Centre' (Routledge, 2024) aims to inspire architects, doctors, students and all those who research the relationship between architecture and health.
Sound and music as integral elements of the healing process in hospital design: Analysis of the case of neurorehabilitation inpatient care
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Healthcare environments are essential places for physical care and the restoration of people's wellbeing, but they often present significant problems, some of which are invisible at first sight. Among these, noise is one of the most relevant – and acoustics plays a central role. If not properly managed, it can become a source of great discomfort, increasing the vulnerability of patients and the stress of staff. At the same time, music, already used in the therapeutic field to relieve pain, activating different brain areas, can represent a powerful tool to accelerate rehabilitation processes and improve the quality of life. However, are hospital spaces really ready to welcome this precious resource?This research explores acoustic improvement and music integration as an inherent part of architectural project, designing them in the early stages of the process and not retrospectively, aiming to improve the effectiveness of care but also not to waste it. In addition to the psychological aspect, a small reduction in hospital stays in expensive departments generates significant savings when large budgets are involved. With the final goal of shaping the hospital of the future as a place respectful of the dignity of the person, the research aims to transform it from a stressful place to a place of calm and wellbeing.
The idea of transformation has been applied to the neurorehabilitation department and spinal unit of the new Padua Hospital, a 963-bed project to be completed in 2031, currently under development by Politecnica, who conducted this research. The integration of music therapy, in particular neurologic music therapy (NMT), was analysed in this department, outlining practical solutions that consider functional, constructive and economic aspects, as well as spatial implications related to light, materials and geometry.
Building on previous successful trials, the application of innovative music technologies to the design of the new Padua Hospital has proven to be feasible. Conceived as a pilot project, with the idea of extending its guidelines – which do not claim to be exhaustive, but constitute a solid basis – to future facilities, the integration of music and acoustic improvement represents a significant initial investment, but the long-term benefits will repay the effort. However, the main added value is human: music contributes to making the hospital experience more respectful and people-centred, for all users.
Learning Objectives
- Information on music therapy and acoustic improvement in hospitals
- Reasons for minimising hospital stay times in the neurorehabilitation department and spinal unit
- The implications of the use of music in improving the effectiveness of care
P70
Never waste a good crisis? New opportunities for consequential investment in health
Andy Black
Founder, Durrow, United Kingdom
Former hospital chief executive. Founder Durrow.
Never waste a good crisis? New opportunities for consequential investment in health
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Hitherto, investors have faced two barriers: 1) the nexus of professional demarcations within the health sector and the (extremely inefficient) patterns of work and organisation that have become normalised; and 2) the lack of opportunities for systemic capital investments that could deliver significant operating cost savings along with a public procurement process that prioritises the cheap, the short-term and the politically attractive.In 2025, we see that in the UK (but not limited to the UK) the tradition of funding increases in operating budgets and showcasing 'new hospital' programmes has run its course. The political dividend does not trump the widespread public realisation that things are getting worse (fast).
Rather than grandiose think-tankery solutions, we are offering a worked example of how to reinvest in the health economy in England in a way that meets the cost of the capital required and modernises the service – all within existing budgets.
The economics are simple and compelling. The politics not so much. But in a crisis, tradition can be overturned.
Learning Objectives
- How to work within existing funding and staffing levels
- How to self-fund major capital investment
- How to break traditions
P71
Redesigning care for premature babies: The role of a remote hospital-at-home approach
Marta Czachorowska
Architect, m.plus.design, Poland
Marta Czachorowska is an architect who dedicates her professional and academic pursuits to designing caring environments, including medical facilities, therapeutic settings, spas, and wellness centres. She is firm in her conviction in the restorative influence of well-crafted design.
She believes in the healing power of good design. Marta advocates that thoughtfully planned urban areas and architectural structures can contribute significantly to the physical and emotional well-being of those living within them. Her exceptional work in designing a maternity ward for a gynaecological hospital was honoured with the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2023, and she also received acclaim by winning the "Designed for People" award from Gazeta Wyborcza's contest. Her insights on medical design have been featured in esteemed publications. Marta leads the creative team at m+design office. Visit mplusdesign.eu to explore more of her work.
Redesigning care for premature babies: The role of a remote hospital-at-home approach
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The birth of a premature baby is a journey fraught with emotional and physical challenges for parents. Preemies, born before 37 weeks of gestation, often require extensive medical care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). While these units are vital for survival, they can unintentionally disrupt the natural bonding process between parents and newborns. With fixed maternity leave policies and prolonged hospital stays, many parents feel they are robbed of the chance to experience true early parenthood. A potential solution is reimagining how hospitals and maternity care spaces are designed. By combining traditional NICU care with a 'hospital-at-home' approach, parents and babies could have more meaningful and comfortable bonding experiences without compromising medical oversight.The 'hospital-at-home' approach leverages advanced technology and remote monitoring to extend medical care into the home environment. For preemies, this could mean earlier discharges from NICUs, supported by telemedicine, wearable health monitors and visiting healthcare teams. Parents could care for their babies in a familiar and calming home setting while still receiving the medical support they need.
Being at home fosters natural interactions, allowing parents to bond with their babies through cuddling, feeding and caregiving without the limitations of hospital protocols. The home environment is also less intimidating and more soothing compared to the clinical atmosphere of a NICU, reducing stress for families. Additionally, earlier discharge enables parents to use their maternity leave for meaningful parenting at home rather than hospital visits.
Designing hospitals for remote care and parent-centric support
Hospitals must be designed with flexibility and family-centric care in mind to make this vision a reality. NICUs should include private rooms where parents can stay overnight with their babies, enabling skin-to-skin contact and basic caregiving under medical supervision. Transition rooms, designed to simulate home environments within the hospital, can help parents build confidence in caring for their preemies before discharge. Hospitals could also establish remote monitoring hubs equipped with telehealth technology to oversee discharged preemies and provide immediate support to families. Additionally, education centres should be available to teach parents essential skills for premature baby care, including feeding techniques and recognising signs of distress.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the challenges parents of premature babies face and the potential of 'hospital-at-home' care
- Identify family-centred hospital design elements for enhanced caregiving support
- Explore how remote monitoring supports earlier discharge and parent-child bonding
P72
Inclusiveness and accessibility in flood disaster in southern Brazil: Risks, challenges, perceptions and future directions
Inclusiveness and accessibility in flood disaster in southern Brazil: Risks, challenges, perceptions and future directions
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Concern over climate change and variability, driven by extreme weather events such as floods, is escalating in Latin America. Last year, Rio Grande do Sul, a Brazilian southern state, grappled with the most severe flooding event in its history. Unprecedented water levels surged, resulting in the displacement of thousands, leaving them homeless. In light of the alarming scenario, encompassing 446 affected municipalities, over 76,000 individuals rendered homeless, 538,000 displaced and an estimated 1,160 fatalities, concerns have been raised regarding accessibility and inclusion in disaster management. Vulnerable groups are particularly at risk in such circumstances, highlighting the need for globally-oriented strategies, with special consideration for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).The aim of this study is to report the risks, challenges and perceptions associated with the vulnerability of impacted individuals in flood disasters within the light of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) and inclusive design. This paper will be divided into two stages. Firstly, a literature review of policy, practice and research documentation related to flood disasters, taking into account different contexts. This review will encompass a wide range of sources, including research articles, reports, initiatives, policies, best practice manuals and other relevant documentation. It will focus on tackling this type of disaster and draw on lessons learned from previous situations to provide valuable insights and inspiration for the current context. The second stage is conceptual discussion based on a narrative of a flood disaster event, where the case of Rio Grande do Sul will be presented in order to discuss the risks, challenges, perceptions and future directions, considering vulnerable groups in flood disasters within the light of DEIA and inclusive design principles.
Despite humanitarian support, volunteer efforts, the organisation of shelters for specific population groups, support networks and community engagement, this article highlights several persistent issues. It focuses on the long-term challenges, particularly regarding accessibility and inclusion, that need to be addressed for future catastrophes. Government negligence, lack of financial resources, weak inadequate infrastructure, inadequate sanitation and a lack of education in sustainability and inclusion are significant issues impacting rescue operations, post-catastrophe recovery, collective shelters and the clean-up period. These challenges are especially detrimental to vulnerable groups within the population who faced significant risks, both during and after the climatic catastrophe in the state.
Learning Objectives
- Reflect and critically analyse climate change
- Think about globally-oriented strategies
- Analyse vulnerable groups particularly at risk in disaster scenarios
P73
From obsolescence to opportunity: Rethinking facility design in mental healthcare
TANTCHOU JOSIANE CARINE
Researcher, CNRS/IRD, France
Josiane Carine Tantchou is an anthropologist specializing in health, urban studies, and the socio-political dynamics of care systems in Africa. Her interdisciplinary research explores the intersection of healthcare facility design, mental health, and community well-being, with a particular focus on how spatial and socio-political contexts shape access to and delivery of care.
From obsolescence to opportunity: Rethinking facility design in mental healthcare
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This study investigates how health providers acknowledge the agency of space, particularly in settings where facilities have become obsolete or misaligned with contemporary care standards. Drawing on interdisciplinary research from social sciences, philosophy and architecture, it is well established that buildings influence our emotions, moods and behaviours. However, ethnographic studies that explore how patients and health providers experience this spatial agency in real-world settings are limited in France.In this study, an exploratory ethnography was conducted at an outpatient clinic in France for individuals diagnosed with mental disorders. Observations and semi-structured interviews with health providers were supplemented by photovoice sessions, wherein participants documented the facility as they experienced it and envisioned it ideally.
Findings reveal that spatial misalignment, or déphasage (Simondon, 2014), presents challenges for staff, requiring continuous adaptation to a suboptimal environment. These constraints contribute to mental fatigue and frustration, although strong team cohesion and shared values partially mitigate these effects. The results underscore the critical role of aligning facility design with standards and care logic to enhance staff wellbeing and operational efficiency in mental health settings.
Learning Objectives
- Explore how built environments influence emotions, behaviours and caregiving practices in mental health care settings
- Examine the mismatch between outdated facilities and modern care standards, including its impact on staff wellbeing and operational efficiency
- Assess how design elements, such as layout, lighting and nature integration, contribute to therapeutic outcomes for patients and staff satisfaction
P74
Designing for inclusion: Addressing sensory needs in educational environments to enhance student wellbeing
Theodora Mavridou
Senior lecturer, University of Portsmouth, Australia
Dr. Dora Mavridou is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the BEng Engineering Management Top-Up program in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, within the Faculty of Technology at the University of Portsmouth.
Her teaching expertise includes Engineering Practice, Sustainable and Environmental Management, and Design. Her research interests focus on Building Optimisation, Inclusive Design, Sustainability, Environmental Design, and Social Sustainability. She is particularly passionate about exploring ways to maximize value while minimizing waste.
Dr. Mavridou has over a decade of industry experience as a chartered engineer, specializing in engineering design and project management. She graduated from the School of Architectural Engineering at Democritus University of Thrace, Greece, in 2006. She later earned an MA in Lighting Design from the School of Applied Arts and Sustainable Design at Hellenic Open University in 2017 and a PhD from Democritus University of Thrace, where her research focused on optimizing industrial buildings through sustainability and lean thinking. Additionally, she holds a PGCert Diploma in Higher Education from the University of Portsmouth.
Throughout her career, she has worked on engineering projects across various European countries, including the UK, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Greece.
Designing for inclusion: Addressing sensory needs in educational environments to enhance student wellbeing
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The architectural design of educational environments profoundly affects students' comfort, learning outcomes and psychological wellbeing. Critical factors such as lighting, acoustics, temperature and air quality significantly influence mental health and academic performance. However, there remains a considerable gap in understanding how these environmental elements align with students’ sensory needs, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Representing approximately 15 per cent of the global population, neurodivergent individuals often face sensory processing challenges that make them especially vulnerable to environmental stressors. Despite their unique needs, these considerations are frequently overlooked in the design of educational spaces, creating barriers to higher education access and academic success.This study investigates the key environmental challenges faced by students, focusing on those with both diagnosed and undiagnosed sensory needs. Researchers developed an interview schedule informed by consultations with students, educators and policy makers to capture diverse perspectives and prioritise sensory needs in learning environments. Additionally, the study explores effective methodologies for measuring environmental factors and their impact on students’ wellbeing and concentration.
The findings emphasise the need for inclusive educational spaces that accommodate diverse sensory requirements. Poorly defined spaces, excessive noise, inadequate lighting, extreme temperatures and insufficient ventilation contribute to heightened anxiety, depression and cognitive impairments. By incorporating the insights of students, educators and policy makers, this research provides actionable recommendations for architects, designers and decision makers. The outcomes aim to inspire the creation of adaptable, inclusive educational environments that promote student wellbeing, support neurodivergent individuals and enhance learning outcomes.
Learning Objectives
- Identify and analyse the environmental factors that affect students' concentration and wellbeing
- Explore effective methodologies for measuring environmental factors
- Design an interview schedule to capture students' perspectives on how environmental factors influence their sensory experiences and wellbeing
P75
Beyond healing: The multifaceted roles of visual arts in hospitals
Chenyixue Ma
PhD researcher, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
Chenyixue Ma is a first-year PhD candidate in the Graduate School of Humanities at the University of Groningen, Netherlands (RUG). Her research project, ‘Curate to Cure: Visual Arts in Hospitals’ explores visual art collections in hospitals and their impacts beyond health benefits. She holds a Master’s degree in Art, Media, and Literary Studies from the RUG, where she investigated engagement with visual art among older adults. She is interested in the relationship between art and well-being, as well as cross-cultural communication in the visual arts.
Beyond healing: The multifaceted roles of visual arts in hospitals
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Over the past four decades, concepts on public health have developed towards a more ecological approach, emphasising the interconnectedness of individuals, communities and their environments (Forget and Lebel, 2001). This shift has culminated in the emergence of the ‘fifth wave of public health’, which advocates for a renewed focus on the individual and the human spirit within healthcare systems in order to address today’s health challenges, such as the deterioration in wellbeing and social inequalities (Hanlon et al., 2011). In alignment with this perspective, we have witnessed an increased interest in the arts within the healthcare sector worldwide, particularly in North America, western Europe and Australia. Hospitals increasingly integrate visual art collections into their environments and collaborate with art organisations, such as museums. While the health benefits of the arts have been extensively investigated (e.g. in the field of evidence-based design), there is a need to explore other impacts of hospital art collections on diverse stakeholder groups, including but not limited to patients, hospital staff, medical students, visitors and the community.This research examines the multifaceted roles of the visual arts in hospitals, focusing on aspects that are insufficiently explored in academic discourse. By collecting and analysing Google Maps reviews from seven academic hospitals in the Netherlands, this study addresses three key questions.
1) Who responds to hospital artworks?
2) What types of artworks do they engage with?
3) In what contexts, and how, are these artworks perceived?
The preliminary findings of this research suggest that patients and their families constitute the majority of reviewers, but other users, such as students and community members, also appreciate the hospital as a space for relaxation and study, drawn in part by its aesthetic and serene atmosphere. Reviewers tend to link hospital artworks with higher perceived quality of care and more positive impressions of the institution, indicating that visual arts play a vital role in shaping institutional identity. This research offers insights into how visual arts function within the health ecosystem beyond direct health benefits, and highlights the potential of the arts in hospitals to contribute meaningfully to both healthcare practice and broader societal wellbeing,
Learning Objectives
- Arts in hospitals
- Healthcare environment
- Ecological healthcare
P76
Neuroarchitectural methodology in day hospital oncology environments
Flavia Simonetti
Architect expert in neuroscience, Università IUAV di Venezia, Italy, Chile
Architect specialized in Neuroscience applied to healthcare environments. She holds a Master´s in Neuroscience applied to Architectural Design from IUAV in Venice, Italy and has developed a research-based methodology aimed to improve people´s wellbeing in oncological spaces.
Her primory objetive is to lead projects that integrate neuroarchitecture, evidence-based design and digital tools to mitigate environmental, psychological, and neurobiological risk factors across diverse settings. Her work experience includes; hospitals, mixed-use buildings, urban planning, residential architecture, applying BIM methodologies to ensure efficient and innovative design.
Flavia has been recognized in national competitions, and her work has been featured in prominent exhibitions. She is passionate about the intersection of architecture, neuroscience and human well-being, continues exploring how spatial design can enhance healing and patient experiences delivering creative and impactful solutions.
Neuroarchitectural methodology in day hospital oncology environments
Abstract Copy
Hospitalisation environments as day hospital spaces can have a big impact on patients and users. The hypothesis of this research establishes that improving architectural affordances in day hospital oncology environments may reduce patients' sensory deprivation and anxiety levels, making systemic and radiotherapy processes a more positive experience for them.Every day cancer is becoming more present worldwide. Currently Italy is seeing a greater number of cases in breast, colon and rectal cancers, with lung tumours being the second cause of death in the country. There is great interest in helping prevent the development of mental health problems in patients as a result of their experience – as well as finding ways to improve their experience. From this perspective, could architecture become an important tool in the medical process?
Two areas from oncological treatment were chosen as case studies: radiotherapy and systemic therapy in two Italian public hospitals. The methodology included 51 visits and more than 125 hours of in-person research, which was divided into a qualitative strategy which included observation, informal talks and meetings, and a quantitative strategy using questionnaires and literature from a range of backgrounds such as architecture, neurobiology, neuroscience, psychology, sociology, etc. The aim was to identify the risk and protective factors present.
The results from the detailed analysis led to the development of an experimental protocol to be developed inside treatment rooms (where patients receive their medicine) in order to verify the physiological and psychological changes they could experience with a neuroarchitectural intervention. A neuroarchitectural guideline methodology was also designed for implementation with the aim of lowering anxiety levels and sensory deprivation in oncology patients – and also to benefit other users, such as companions, operators and doctors. Some of the other important themes considered include: colour, music, material and texture, geometry and rhythm, smell, biophilic design and sense of agency.
If the protocol experiment is proven, this could help the healing process by reducing the need for taking psychological medication and could be an important initiative for lowering anxiety and sensory deprivation in oncology patients. The day hospital oncology design guideline seeks to build environments that effectively enable care and health. It aims to be a tool that not only improves existing units but also acts as a grassroots initiative for other health units, influencing the improvement of therapeutic processes for oncology patients receiving medical treatment.
Learning Objectives
- Oncology environmental design
- Low anxiety
- Low sensory deprivation
P77
Impact of peer health navigators supported by clinician ‘health coaches’ on hospital resource utilisation for high-risk adults
Donald Campbell
Division director (Medical), Northern Health, Australia
General and Respiratory Physician by training. Formal qualification in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Doctorate in Immunology.
Past President Adult Medicine Division, Royal Australasian College of Physicians and Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand.
Clinical and research interests are devoted to furthering the role of systemic design in innovation in healthcare generally.
Rebecca Jessup
Director victorian centre for virtual health tesearch and acting director of research, Northern Health, Australia
Associate Professor Rebecca Jessup is currently the Director of the Victorian Centre for Virtual Health Research and Acting Director of Research at Northern Health. Rebecca is an expert in health literacy, and her
research focuses on different types of interventions to improve health literacy and communication, access to care, including digital interventions and health navigators. Rebecca led a Workforce Training and
Innovation project with Medibank and Swinburne to develop a new Certificate III in Community Services focused on the role of health navigators.
Mark Tacey
Biostatistician and senior research fellow, Austin Health and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Australia
Mark Tacey is a biostatistician and senior research fellow, who is currently employed by the Department of Radiation Oncology at Austin Health in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, based at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre. In current and previous roles over the past 14 years following a career in the traffic and transport industry, Mark has provided statistical analysis support to clinicians, healthcare professionals and students on matters relating to study design, sample size and power estimation and statistical analysis. Specific statistical analysis techniques and methods employed include multivariate analysis based on various probability distributions and predictive modelling using a range of development and validation procedures; evaluation of diagnostic screening tools and development of precision estimation methods; time series analysis and survival / time to event analyses. Mark is an experienced user of Stata and has also used SPSS and SAS for past projects. Mark seeks to continue to develop and enhance his statistical analysis skills in response to requests from clinicians and researchers, whilst seeking project opportunities where his expertise can provide a difference in the quality and efficiency of medical and healthcare service provision.
Daniel Nguyen
Project lead- patient watch, Northern Health, Australia
Daniel Nguyen is a physiotherapist currently employed by Patient Watch department in the Division Hospital Without Walls at Northern Health in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Daniel has more than twenty
years of clinical experience working in public hospital settings, predominantly in community-based therapy and in the management of musculoskeletal injuries in the emergency department. In the last 5 years, Daniel
has led several clinical improvement projects, including the introduction of a back pain assessment and management service to reduce neurosurgery clinic waiting times. In the last 5 years, Daniel has been the
operational lead in the development and implementation of Patient Watch.
Sarah Thomas
Deputy divisional medical director, Northern Health, Australia
Dr Sarah Thomas is a Physician specialising in General and Acute Medicine, with a background in metropolitan, rural, remote and Indigenous health. She is passionate about the provision of health equity, and high
value personalised healthcare. She provides medical leadership and consultation for public health programs providing care for patients in the community, believing that being "safe at home" has the greatest positive
impact on a patient's life. She works closely with the Northern Health High-Reliability Organisation (HRO) Team to turn concerns into opportunities to bring on impactful change.
Keith Stockman
Director of service design and innovation (ret), Staying Well Program, Northern Health, Australia
Over 40+ years, Keith Stockman has shaped healthcare through leadership roles in hospital administration, clinical laboratory science, and management consulting. Keith partnered with Don Campbell and Carmel Martin to introduced a novel approach to supporting high-risk patients at home between admissions, initially at Monash Health and later implemented as Patient Watch at Northern Health and Grampians Health.
Previously, Keith spent thirteen years at Iridium Consulting, collaborating with leading organizations to guide transformative healthcare initiatives. With an MBA centered on Systems Thinking, Keith applies advanced strategies encompassing project and change management, systemic design, and operations research to models of care. His work at Monash was highlighted in Jeanne Liedtka’s book "Design Thinking for the Greater Good". He has published multiple book chapters and peer-reviewed works, and also co-founded specialist groups promoting systemic design and operations research to foster ongoing innovation.
Impact of peer health navigators supported by clinician ‘health coaches’ on hospital resource utilisation for high-risk adults
Abstract Copy
The Northern Patient Watch (NPW) programme was designed to reduce hospital admissions and bed days by patients identified to be at high risk of subsequent readmission by providing proactive monitoring and support through peer health navigators working with health-qualified professionals. Internationally, peer health navigators have been shown to reduce inpatient resource utilisation. This study aimed to assess the impact of NPW on hospital admissions, bed-day use, emergency department presentations and outpatient non-attendance, compared to propensity score-matched controls drawn from the same eligible cohort.A propensity score matching design was used to compare NPW enrolees with controls over three-, six-, and 12-month follow-up periods. Hospital resource utilisation was the primary outcome, with secondary outcomes including outpatient appointment non-attendance rates. Data were analysed using statistical methods appropriate for normally and non-normally distributed variables, with adjustments made for potential confounders.
NPW enrolees demonstrated reductions in hospital bed days usage across all time points compared to matched controls. The effect size increased over the follow-up period, with NPW enrolees utilising statistically significantly fewer bed-days at the 12-month follow-up compared to matched controls (median 2.00 [0.00, 8.00] vs. 4.00 [CI 1.00, 14.00]). Admissions and emergency presentations were generally lower in the NPW group, although these differences were not statistically significant. Outpatient appointment non-attendance rates were significantly lower in the NPW group at 12 months (107 [44.8 per cent] versus 133 [55.6 per cent]), indicating improved engagement with healthcare services.
The NPW programme involving risk-based eligibility and assessment, clinician induction and team-based follow-up was associated with reduced hospital bed-day usage and improved outpatient appointment attendance. These findings suggest that peer health navigators can play an important role as team members working alongside health-qualified professionals to reduce inpatient resource use and enhance patient engagement. Further research is needed to explore the features of the at-risk population and to evaluate the long-term sustainability and broader clinical impact of such interventions incorporating health navigators working with health-qualified professionals.
Learning Objectives
- Identify high-risk cohorts
- Understand the importance of systems of care and targeted services
- Identify roles for non-health-qualified health navigators as part of front line
P78
Neighbourhood Futures: An integrated resilient framework to bridge urban development and health challenges
Bonnie Chu
Healthcare sector director, Ramboll UK, United Kingdom
Bonnie is a UK qualified architect with 20+ years' experience in the healthcare sector and construction industry. She has worked for architects, developers, main contractors, and now in engineering consultancy. The diversity and breadth of her experience in these different aspects of a project enhances her drive to collaborate with like-minded professionals to make the changes we need to keep our societies and health systems resilient to combat the impact of climate change.
James Shearman
Head of innovation, Impact on Urban Health, United Kingdom
James is Head of Innovation at Impact on Urban Health, an independent urban health foundation committed to building health equity and making cities healthier places for everyone to live. An On Purpose Associate, he previously spent 10 years in the private sector building a sports agency and has spent time living in the Caribbean, London and Melbourne. He led on the development and implementation of Impact on Urban Health’s climate strategy and has mobilised funding and resource at the intersection of health, racial equity, and climate justice. He currently sits in the innovation team where his work focuses on the future of urban health, with a specific focus on community-led asset ownership as a mechanism for building wealth in underserved communities.
Shira de Bourbon Parme DPhil, MSc
Urban wellbeing and innovation lead, Ramboll , United Kingdom
Shira is an urban development planner and social anthropologist dedicated to advancing place-based spatial and social sustainability. In her role within Ramboll's Regenerative Cities Team, she partners with public and private sector stakeholders to develop and deliver integrated urban strategies that foster liveable and resilient environments, nurturing human and planetary health. Her work is grounded in vulnerability-sensitive approaches to drive health, social and spatial equity.
Shira holds a doctorate from the Future of Cities programme at the University of Oxford. She serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Urban Wellbeing. She has delivered annual lectures for University College London’s MSc Health in Urban Development and the University of Cambridge’s Future of Roads Programme. Notably, Shira led the development of Neighbourhood Futures: A framework for climate resilience and health equity in collaboration with Impact on Urban Health and conducts ongoing research on urban planning and social infrastructure for ageing populations.
Neighbourhood Futures: An integrated resilient framework to bridge urban development and health challenges
Abstract Copy
To contend with the climate crisis, and the growing social, political and economic challenges that come with it, we will need to innovate. Indeed, while it may be hard to say with certainty how severe the hazards will ultimately be, it is clear that they will surpass the thresholds that our cities, structures and communities are designed to handle. Currently air pollution is linked to heart disease stroke and lung cancer, contributing to around 36,000 deaths annually, according to a recent report. Studies indicate that by 2040, up to 5,770 lives could be saved each year from reductions in air pollution and 38,400 saved from people taking more exercise, cutting annual UK deaths by 8.5 per cent.With climate and health vulnerability inextricably linked, Neighbourhood Futures, a joint project by Impact on Urban Health and Ramboll, addresses the need for tools that bridge urban development and urban health challenges, proposing an integrated resilience framework for neighbourhood development. This research-driven and practice-relevant framework identifies pathways to enhance local resilience. It provides a structured and actionable approach to embedding inclusive and health-driven decision making in strategic planning and design.
This framework focuses on five distinct and complementary capacities that will enable neighbourhoods to consider five distinct but complementary dimensions of resilience, while maintaining a consistent focus. These are as follows: threshold capacity; coping capacity; recovery capacity; adaptive capacity; and transformative capacity. The capacities laid out by the framework are intended to make navigating extreme climate threats and their after-effects simpler and, importantly, health, safety and wellbeing-centred.
We, ultimately, need to move away from a siloed approach to a systemic approach. The aim should be a collective focus on climate vulnerability and equity, and the development of a shared language for resilience. This would see resilience applied as a bridging concept – in other words as a concept that facilitates an exchange of knowledge between different disciplines and areas of study. The benefits of this are that it enables different sectors and specialisms are able to work together, harmonising their efforts thereby increasing their impact. This provides the multidisciplinary collaboration required for systems thinking, and the paradigm shift that EHD2025 is focused on.
For our presentation we present the framework and explore how it can be deployed to develop integrated community health services to deliver more resilient, healthy and equitable neighbourhoods.
Learning Objectives
- Climate crisis is a health crisis
- Examine the proposed framework and how it can be implemented
- Collaborative approach to deliver resilient societies and health system
P79
The pedagogical structural barriers to effective outcomes: The gap between services for children and young people when they become adults in England
James Swaffield
Managing director, IMPOWER, United Kingdom
James is an experienced public sector and health system change leader, focussed on delivering outcomes that cost less for organisations. He has over 15 years’ experience of consulting in the public, private and third sectors specialising in strategy development, programme delivery, and change management.
At IMPOWER he has led health and care interface change programmes in Manchester, Trafford, Somerset, Dorset, and Lincolnshire, as well as research projects with the County Council Network.
The pedagogical structural barriers to effective outcomes: The gap between services for children and young people when they become adults in England
Abstract Copy
How we teach, and how we think, in and of itself can lead to barriers in delivering outcomes for all populations. For healthcare to manage productivity and outcomes issues, this paper will examine the issues around health, care and educational needs for children and young people (CYPs) aged between 16 and 25 when they move from a ‘paediatric’ to ‘adult’ service under this complex assemblage of policy regimes.Providing improved outcomes around an individual is paramount to effective policy management over the next ten years. Yet there is a recurrent issue around service provision and co-ordination when individuals go through particular transitions – for example, from being seen as a ‘children’ to being seen as an ‘adult’. We know this has negative outcomes on services this sit across places for healthcare, social care, education, inclusion and justice. For example, a local authority can support the education needs of a CYP until the age of 25. Care needs transfer from children’s social care to adult social care at 18, or 21 if you are leaving foster care. Paediatric services typically support individuals to age 16 and children’s emergency departments to 17. There is flexibility across support over this crucial age range, but with flexibility comes complexity and often poor co-ordination of care. For individuals it can often feel unclear, and even more so for families and carers.
The reasons for this often come through the ‘thresholds’ that need to exist around statutory provision of services, and are reinforced though professional bodies, pathways and ways of teaching frontline teams. With the pressures from the pandemic for this age group, such as seen in mental health, this will be an area that leads to worsening outcomes over time if the complexity of this is not gripped.
This paper will explore the barriers to outcomes that manifest across these ‘age horizons’ and will use qualitative interviews with leaders across these services to explore what needs can be done to secure a more co-ordinated approach to all aspects of care. We will use our network of Directors of children's services (DCSs), health leaders and other place leaders to undertake this primary research.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding barriers to integration for children and young people's health and care services on transition to adult services
- Sharing best practice and learning on the integration of specialist services for children and young people
- Insight on ecosystem working, partnering with children and young people and their families to improve healthy transitions into adulthood
P80
Digitising health: A global perspective
Michele Wheeler
International healthcare and life sciences director, Lexica, United Kingdom
Michèle Wheeler began her career as a nurse and has since become a globally recognised expert in healthcare systems, transformation of clinical services and project delivery. With more than 30 years’ experience, she has reported at government level, delivered system wide clinical change and led transformational construction programmes. She has overseen approximately 100 health service projects globally as both client and consultant, covering every phase of infrastructure delivery. Michèle has held multiple executive board-level leadership roles in the UK healthcare environment, is an accredited NHS Project Director, an APM fellow and a Chartered Project Professional.
She brings experience in healthcare administration, planning and integration of clinical services, with a proven track record delivering cost savings and improving operational efficiencies within the public and private sectors across the UK, Asia and the Pacific.
Her knowledge gained working as a nurse and wider, allows Michèle to quickly analyse complex challenges to shape sustainable clinical services that support communities and enable excellent healthcare outcomes. Michèle uses her extensive sector knowledge to support transformational healthcare delivery.
Digitising health: A global perspective
Abstract Copy
As healthcare systems evolve, several key trends are shaping the industry's future as we approach 2025. Michèle Wheeler, International health and life sciences director at Lexica, highlights significant trends expected to impact healthcare in 2025 and beyond. Globally, healthcare systems are adopting digital solutions to ensure sustainability and affordability in an increasingly complex sector. Disruptive innovation has the potential to transform traditional, expensive, hospital-centred care delivery.Health policy makers are debating ways to consolidate fragmented health services. Governments and healthcare providers must collaborate to create efficient systems that prioritise patients. Challenges include outdated legacy systems, lack of digital awareness and reluctance to fund critical digital transformations. However, the benefits include a more efficient, resilient and cost-effective healthcare system.
Post-Covid-19, remote monitoring and virtual care have become standard practice. Healthcare providers are investing in advanced remote monitoring platforms for continuous patient observation and early intervention. Recognising the potential of digital technologies to improve accessibility, quality and affordability, the World Health Organization (WHO) urges member states to enhance the use of digital technologies for health. They should consider integrating these technologies into existing health systems to promote people-centred health and disease prevention.
Many economies and regions have developed strategies to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions in healthcare. Digital healthcare is seen as crucial for maintaining economic strength and global competitiveness in an information-driven era. This paper will explore similarities and differences across various global economies.
Success will depend on effective implementation, stakeholder engagement, public-private partnerships and continued investment in healthcare infrastructure.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding digital health: define digital health and identify its components, including smart devices, AI, big data and the internet of things (IoT), and explain how these technologies improve healthcare accessibility, quality and affordability.
- Recognising barriers and benefits: discuss the barriers to digital transformation in healthcare, such as outdated systems and funding reluctance, and describe the benefits, including cost savings and improved system efficiency and resilience
- Innovation and implementation: outline the role of digital health innovations, such as AI in diagnostics and remote monitoring, and understand the importance of collaboration between healthcare and ICT sectors for successful implementation
P81
Innovative cancer care: Co-locating radiotherapy at Guy’s Cancer Centre
Innovative cancer care: Co-locating radiotherapy at Guy’s Cancer Centre
Abstract Copy
Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) has embarked upon a comprehensive cancer strategy to shape the future of services for the next generation of cancer patients. It strives to become a world-class cancer service, delivering internationally distinctive services that are patient-centred, research-driven and clinically led.Radiotherapy is an integral part of cancer treatment, with 40 per cent of curative treatments involving this modality, as well as many palliative indications. The tomotherapy machine at St Thomas’ Hospital was due to be replaced and was identified on the Trust equipment replacement register. The replacement of the tomotherapy machine at St Thomas’s opened an opportunity to co-locate with the existing radiotherapy services within the Guy’s Cancer Centre. The space utilised at Guy’s Hospital required a full strip-out and refurbishment to enable the machine installation. Much of the infrastructure within the area was interconnected with the wider hospital. This presented challenges to ensure minimal impact on the surrounding hospital services, with intensive validation, planning and stakeholder engagement.
Guy’s Hospital presented logistical constraints as a central London site with limited space. Welfare facilities were housed within the site area, deliveries planned to arrive as required to reduce storage requirements and activities such as crane lifts completed at weekends to limit interaction with the public. Despite challenges during the project works, utilising a space on the Guy’s Hospital campus to co-locate with the existing radiotherapy services within the Guy’s Cancer Centre has brought substantial long-term benefits. It has maintained the radiotherapy department as a leader in the UK, providing immediate access to specialist technical expertise, allowing a full range of treatment options from the Guy’s Cancer Centre and improving patient care, experience and pathways.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the comprehensive cancer strategy of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and its goals for future cancer services
- Describe the process and challenges involved in replacing the tomotherapy machine and integrating it with existing radiotherapy services at Guy’s Cancer Centre
- Explain the benefits of co-locating radiotherapy services within Guy’s Cancer Centre, including improvements in patient care, access to expertise and treatment options
P82
Oriel: Pioneering integrated eye care and research for a future with reduced sight loss
Donna Fitzpatrick
Director, Lexica, United Kingdom
Donna has 19 years of experience as a client-side project manager in the higher education, healthcare and science sectors, developing strong leadership skills and the ability to manage large and small-scale projects from conception to close out of defects.
Donna has a collegiate approach to managing projects and has extensive experience in planning and control, risk and issue management, reporting, procurement and change control. Donna is a knowledgeable Contract Administrator with experience in all major contracts including GC Works, NEC and JCT.
With a proven track record delivering successful projects, from Critical Programme Capital Works, to a £104m new-build hospital in central London, Donna is particularly skilled at engaging with multiple stakeholders and developing strategic goals to achieve successful project outcomes. She has extensive experience in developing and delivering against information requirements to support BIM mandates, helping NHS clients realise the benefits in an inclusive way, generating an organisational level of understanding of BIM.
Oriel: Pioneering integrated eye care and research for a future with reduced sight loss
Abstract Copy
By 2050 it is estimated that four million people will be living with sight loss in the UK. Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust needed the right facilities to spur research and innovation and develop new possibilities for treatments and cures. The answer was Oriel, a new state-of-the-art integrated eye care, research and education centre to be constructed on the St Pancras Hospital site in London.Oriel – part of the New Hospital Programme and supported by over £400 million of investment – will see services from Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity move to a brand new integrated centre on part of the St Pancras Hospital site. Co-locating partners under one roof will enable closer collaborative working and will optimise the integration of eye care, research and education to create a space for optimised scientific discovery and delivery of the highest quality treatments and therapies for patients.
The ’boomerang’ arrangements of the floors provide a natural flow for research maturity, from fundamental and basic research through applied research in the Moorfields Clinical Research Facility (CRF), through to phase three trials delivered in outpatients. This juxtaposition of the research and facilitated flows, with shared receptions and integrated adult and paediatric flows, boosts the opportunity for research to flourish. The building’s ‘rule of one’ will integrate staff groups, enabling the sharing of data to create a centre that can advance the care of people with sight loss.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the purpose and goals of the Oriel project, including its role in integrating eye care, research and education to advance treatments for sight loss
- Explain how co-locating Moorfields Eye Hospital, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity in a single facility enhances collaboration and optimises the integration of research and clinical care
- Identify and discuss the innovative design features of the Oriel building, such as the 'boomerang' floor arrangements and the 'rule of one,' and how these features facilitate research and improve patient care
P83
Best-laid plans: Balancing strategic investment and overplanning in healthcare estate planning
Anya Shah
Consultant, healthcare strategy and planning, Lexica, United Kingdom
Anya’s global experience has provided her with a wide perspective on health systems and the impact of these systems on healthcare provision. Her previous experience includes health economics in Cape Town and, outside the healthcare sector, Anya has experience working in the pharmaceutical industry, specialising in clinical data management. At Lexica, Anya supports the Healthcare Strategy and Planning team – her ability to analyse complex data and generate meaningful insights supports evidence-based decision-making in master planning, estates strategies and business cases across a range of organisations and stakeholder groups.
Reece Philliskirk
Senior consultant, Lexica, United Kingdom
Reece bio:
Reece is an experienced healthcare professional who has experience in working with many strategic projects ranging from clinical and estates development, data exploration and analysis of health systems. Reece’s key skills are in design development, analysis of clinical data and engagement with stakeholders. During his time at Lexica, Reece has supported the Healthcare Strategy and Planning team with brief and business case development, clinical and estates strategies and utilisation measurement. His experience ranges across acute, community and mental health services across London, the wider UK and internationally.
Best-laid plans: Balancing strategic investment and overplanning in healthcare estate planning
Abstract Copy
How did we go from ‘look before you leap’ to decision paralysis? How did we reach a point of agonising indecision because we embraced the wisdom that a hospital planned today must accommodate technological advances, innovations in medical practice and new ways of working that will undoubtedly emerge in the years to come? If an NHS trust that has been ‘planning’ a hospital redevelopment for a decade, while circling around RIBA stage 1 or 2 for years, was handed a construction budget today, how soon would it get its scheme on site? It could conceivably go fast and might even produce a good outcome in five years or so.Our presentation will explore the critical balance between robust investment planning and overplanning in healthcare estate development. We will consider imperative steps such as setting clear vision and goals, establishing clinical and operational principles and priorities, and addressing knowns versus known-unknowns and the unknowable. Additionally, we will discuss the need for resilience, future readiness and adaptability.
Costs associated with extensive research, meetings and revisions can escalate without necessarily improving outcomes. Bureaucratic inertia can stifle innovation and responsiveness. Overly detailed plans may limit flexibility, preventing organisations from seizing new opportunities in a rapidly evolving field. The UK has long attempted to create standard solutions, such as those of the Best Buys programme, but Nucleus designs ended up being heavily criticised for being undersized, functionally lacking and environmentally poor.
Through analysis of case studies and best practices from international healthcare systems, we aim to provide healthcare estate planners with insights and strategies for delivering resilient health facilities and campuses that remain high functioning well into the future.
In healthcare estate planning, strategic investment is crucial for ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to achieve long-term goals. Effective planning helps mitigate risks, optimize resource use, and enhance stakeholder confidence. However, over-planning can lead to decision paralysis, where the sheer volume of information and options overwhelms decision makers.
Our goal is to identify the 'sweet spot' where conscientious, rigorous planning contributes to robust investment without becoming an impediment to progress. We will look at standardisation and guidelines that can help elevate the quality of healthcare planning and design, ensuring that healthcare facilities can meet the needs of their communities both now and well into the future.
Learning Objectives
- Critical balance between investment and planning
- Review of modern case studies
- Standardisation and guidelines
P84
Designing for health: A regenerative approach to urban spaces
Annalise Johns
Associate director, Institute for Healthy Urban Living, Univeristy of Westminster, United Kingdom
Annalise Johns is a built environment and health expert. She develops evidence-based designs to improve social determinants of health by combining epidemiological data and population health profiles with cutting edge urban innovations (IOT, biomimicry, circular economy, etc.) to facilitate resilient population health outcomes. Her experience spans public health, transportation, regeneration, urban design and housing innovation. She has produced national policies for the National Health Service, UK, as part of the Healthy New Towns programme, and has developed cutting edge pilots for housing and health for Innovate UK and local authorities across London.
Brendon Noble
Director, Institute for Healthy Urban Living, United Kingdom
Working in medicines development and healthcare, Brendon developed his work in Cambridge University Medical School and co-founded the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine in Edinburgh University. He has served on a range of Boards including as a Hospital Governor, charities and in industry. He has founded companies and Chaired Local Enterprise Partnership and EU Enterprise Groups.
Designing for health: A regenerative approach to urban spaces
Abstract Copy
Regenerative design is an emerging approach to urban development that goes beyond sustainability to create spaces that restore and regenerate ecosystems. It integrates ecological restoration into urban planning, aiming to balance nature and urban living by transforming the built environment into spaces that heal and co-exist with the natural world, enhancing resilience for both people and the planet.This discipline intersects with the built environment, encompassing buildings, mobility and service infrastructure. Unlike traditional methods, it is driven by health data, tailoring design to the specific needs of the population and embedding prevention into physical form. By combining local assets, weaknesses, climate models, demographic shifts and health data, regenerative design creates environments that improve public health, eliminate negative impacts and promote wellbeing.
Regenerative design is a distinct master’s-level discipline, not just a philosophy. It unites experts in health and the built environment, using data that integrates climate resilience, urban liveability and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. It incorporates evidence on biodiversity, spatial distribution and the environmental microbiome, all essential for physical and mental health. The University of Westminster’s Institute for Healthy Urban Living is developing this programme, set to launch in 2025. This workshop will enable attendees to engage with this multidisciplinary approach and contribute to shaping the curriculum.
Drawing from ecology, biodiversity, biology, data science, public health, behavioural theory and material engineering, regenerative design informs the development of materials and technologies based on biomimicry, biophilic design and circular materials. It fosters a balance between biodiversity and human health, addressing the interconnected issues of health, climate and equitable urban development. A new generation of professionals is needed to tackle these challenges and create sustainable, future-ready urban spaces.
The implications of regenerative design include targeted strategies that address the planet’s most pressing issues. In this workshop, attendees will engage in a case study, role-playing as different stakeholders (e.g. a six-year-old boy, a local cabinet minister or a senior resident) to design a space from their assigned perspective. The session will begin with an introduction and conclude with group presentations, demonstrating how this participatory approach can shape real-world urban solutions.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the principles of regenerative design: gain an understanding of how regenerative design integrates ecological restoration, health data and urban planning to create spaces that promote both environmental sustainability and public health
- Apply multidisciplinary approaches to urban design: participants will learn how to incorporate insights from diverse fields such as ecology, public health and material engineering to create urban environment resilience
- Develop practical skills in stakeholder-driven design: through role-playing exercises, attendees will practise designing urban spaces from the perspectives of various stakeholders, learning how to consider different needs, motivations and health impacts
P85
Reimagining healthcare environments in Italy: Artistic and architectural interventions as tools for care and human flourishing
Maria Carolina Zarrilli Affaitat
Pdh student, Università di Foggia, Italy
Maria Carolina Zarrilli Affaitati is a Phd student in Medical Humanities and Welfare Policies at the University of Foggia, as well as a lecturer and course coordinator in Soft Skills in Medical Humanities at the University of Siena. A scientific contributor for ISTUD and Spaghetti Boost, her research explores the rethinking of oncology environments through cultural interventions, sound design and biophilia, with the aim of creating more welcoming hospital spaces, improving the quality of life of patients, the well-being of health care providers and caregivers. He is also interested in humanization of care and patient-centered medicine, promoting a holistic view of health. Its ultimate goal is to raise awareness and train professionals through multidisciplinary courses that promote the design of more humane and effective care environments.
Reimagining healthcare environments in Italy: Artistic and architectural interventions as tools for care and human flourishing
Abstract Copy
In the evolving landscape of healthcare design, art and architecture are increasingly recognised as transformative tools capable of improving both patient care and caregiver wellbeing (Ulrich et al., 2008; Chatterjee & Noble, 2013). This paper focuses on the Italian context, presenting a systematic mapping of emerging projects and practices that integrate artistic and architectural interventions to humanise healthcare spaces. The research highlights how art is no longer perceived as a decorative element but as a strategic tool to foster healing, emotional support and cultural identity (Montgomery, 2016).Methodologically, this study combines an analysis of real-world case studies with an innovative pedagogical approach. A central pillar of the research is the Medical Humanities course at the University of Siena, where future healthcare professionals are trained to rethink hospital environments by adopting human-centred perspectives rooted in the arts and humanities. The course emphasises:
- empathy-driven design: developing spaces that respond to the emotional needs of patients and staff (Chatterjee et al., 2017);
- art as intervention: practical exploration of site-specific artistic projects that transform healthcare facilities into places of beauty and dignity (Case study: Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Milan);
- community engagement: involving patients, artists, architects and healthcare workers in co-design processes (Brown & Wyatt, 2010).
The Italian mapping showcases a series of initiatives – from the inclusion of curated art installations in oncology wards to architectural renovations designed to harmonise form, function and wellbeing (E. Bomardieri et all., 2021). These examples illustrate a gradual yet significant shift toward holistic, patient-centred care models where art, architecture and healthcare converge.
This paper argues for a broader implementation of such approaches across healthcare systems. By combining research, education and applied case studies, it provides a replicable methodology for reimagining healthcare environments as living ecosystems that nurture healing, foster human flourishing and address contemporary challenges in care delivery (Gesler, 1992).
Learning Objectives
- Healing environments
- Artistic interventions in care
- Medical humanities
P86
Improving the home environment of people living with mental illness in the community
Evangelia Chrysikou
Associate professor, University College London (UCL), United Kingdom
Dr Evangelia Chrysikou is Associate Professor at the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction UCL, Founder/Program Director of the MSc Healthcare Facilities and Departmental Vice Lead Enterprise. Multi-awarded RIBA architect registered in the UK and Greece. Her expertise lies within healthcare architecture and medical technologies. She has published widely and has won several prestigious grants and fellowships including Horizon 2020, UKRI, Wellcome, British Academy, Royal Society of New Zealand, Sasakawa Foundation. Evangelia is a Member of the National Accessibility Authority in Hellenic Republic by invitation from the Greek Prime Minister. She was the coordinator of the Environment Section of the European Innovation Partnership on Healthy and Active Aging of the EU, managed by DG Connect and has worked with international government bodies such as the Japanese MOFA and Peru Reconstruction Mechanism. Former Vice-President of the Urban Public Health section of EUPHA. ULI Life Sciences and Healthcare Council Leadership Committee Member.
Artemis Igoumenou
Clinical senior lecturer, associate professor, University College London, United Kingdom
Associate Professor, UCL Department of Psychiatry and an Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist in the Complex Care Locked Rehabilitation Unit at Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust. S Trust's Research & Development Director and Academic Psychiatry Lead for the Medical School at UCL Research interests include the mental and physical wellbeing of individuals with complex mental health diagnoses, cultural influences in mental health provision and uptake, assessing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of mental health services, identifying environmental factors affecting recovery in inpatient mental health units, forensic psychiatry populations, prison populations. She has research and clinical expertise in the assessment and management of risk (self-harm, violence) and other adverse outcomes (wellbeing, quality of life, patient satisfaction) but also ethical issues in mental health practices and public mental health. Active in research including funding from the British Academy, the NIHR and the National Scholarship Foundation (IKY) in Greece. Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Dorina Cadar
Reader in neuroepidemiology and dementia, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, United Kingdom
Dr Cadar is a Senior Lecturer in Neuro-epidemiology and Dementia at the Centre for Dementia Studies at BSMS and the director of the Cognitive Epidemiology, Dementia, and Ageing Research (CEDAR) lab.Prior to joining the Centre for Dementia Studies at BSMS, Dorina has worked for 10 years at University College London (UCL) as a Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Behavioural Science and Health. She is the director of the Cognitive Epidemiology, Dementia and Ageing Research (CEDAR) lab. Research interests and expertise are in the field of neuro-epidemiology and dementia, including immunology, biomarkers, socioeconomic inequalities, psychosocial factors, and other modifiable risk factors, such as lifestyle behaviours, social isolation, cognitive and social resilience.
Daryia Palityka
PhD student, University College London, United Kingdom
Daryia Palityka is a PhD student at UCL's Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, researching the impact of art and design in healthcare facilities on patients. Trained as a paediatric surgeon in Belarus, Palityka participated in research projects in paediatric surgery, ophthalmology, and public health. Her interest in research led her to Finland, where she worked in a multidisciplinary group on developing AI tools for eye disease diagnostics. Palityka also has a passion for art and architecture. During her medical studies, she was curious about how the built environment affects treatment processes. This curiosity brought her to pursue an MSc in Healthcare Facilities at UCL with the support of the Chevening Scholarship, a prestigious award from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Her master's thesis on accessible hospital artwork for the visually impaired showcases her commitment to interdisciplinary research.
Eva Hernandez-Garcia
PhD student, University College London, United Kingdom
Eva Hernandez Garcia is a PhD Candidate at UCL Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction. Eva completed her MSc in Integrative Physiology at the department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology at University of Barcelona in 2018. She is also trained for research methods of evidence based-medicine and medical statistics from The Centre for Evidence-based Medicine staff (Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences-University of Oxford). Eva has conducted several systematic reviews and meta-analyses across a range of health care research projects. She is current researching spaces as supportive environments for cancer survivors with multimorbidity’s through the documentation of surrogate disease biomarkers and behaviour patterns.
Eleftheria Savvopoulou
Architect, independent researcher, SynThesis Architects, Greece
Eleftheria Savvopoulou is an Architectural Project Manager, Architect, Synthesis Architect and Wellbeing Ltd, Greece. Eleftheria completed her MSc in Architectural Project Management at the University of Edinburgh in 2011. She now practices as an Architect and PM specialising in the design and delivery of healthcare facilities in Europe and has been involved in several research projects and consultancies on health policies, funded by the European Commission, the Japanese Government and the NHS in collaboration with Dr Chrysikou.
Eddy Davelaar
Professor of psychology and neuroscience, Birkbeck University, United Kingdom
Prof Davelaar is Professor of Psychology and Applied Neuroscience at Birkbeck. He conducts research on cognitive ageing, with a particular focus on supporting healthy ageing and preventing/slowing cognitive decline. This work involves experimental testing and population level statistical analyses. Ongoing work is in collaboration with the target audience with whom he codesigns intervention studies. Another area of his research involves neurofeedback for enhancing cognitive performance and mental wellbeing. Within that topic, he leads the way for understanding the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in successful brain training.
Improving the home environment of people living with mental illness in the community
Abstract Copy
People living with mental illness (PLWMI) discharged from wards often move to inadequate homes, with poor conditions affecting their health and leading to rehospitalisations. Despite research on psychiatric wards and the central role of the built environment to deinstitutionalisation and social reintegration, little is known about the built environment after the discharge from the psychiatric ward and how PLWMI’s living conditions affect their health, including clinical outcomes, wellbeing and social reintegration. This cross-disciplinary research brings healthcare architects, clinicians and psychologists, aiming to highlight the importance of the built environment as an integral part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.The research is examining the home environment needs of post-hospitalised PLWMI in independent living accommodation in the community, to prevent relapse and encourage psychosocial reintegration. Methodology includes a systematic review on the needs of PLWMI related to their home built environment and the development of a checklist for evaluating the home built environment to support PLWMI. To validate the checklist, we employ site visits to recently discharged PLWMI living in the community to perform the checklist and conduct semi-structured interviews. The research is underpinned by the sustainable consumption and production (SCP) theoretical model of environmental provision.
By adopting this cross-disciplinary approach, this research is addressing the issue from a 360-degree perspective, both from the built environment and the psycho-social aspect. Findings comprise improvements for the living conditions and support the psychosocial reintegration of PLWMI into the community, targeting social services and government policies on housing and facility conditions for social care, strengthen social workers' skills to assess premises in an informed way and evaluate living conditions, especially in reaction to the environment.
This research project supports that psychosocially supportive environments promote independence for PLWMI. The project findings and validated checklist could be used to inform policy makers, urban planners and housing providers, enabling them to make more informed decisions and develop policies and design guidelines that prioritise the needs of PLWMI. This will help create more supportive and inclusive home built environments, to improve community integration and improved health and wellbeing and, ultimately, benefit PLWMI, carers, health authorities and health and social policies.
Learning Objectives
- The home built environment of PLWMI in the community is central to deinstitutionalisation and their social reintegration
- Build environment factors such as the location, stressors or lack of access to services in the surrounding area, and the environmental conditions inside and around the dwellings, could cause PLWMIs to relapse
- The active involvement of PLWMI and health professionals and social workers in shaping and reviewing the built environment and deinstitutionalisation policies, including Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidance, is imperative
P87
A contemporary post-occupancy evaluation of ward design in the UK
Lauren Morgan
Director, Morgan Human Systems, United Kingdom
Lauren Morgan is a renowned UK expert in the field of human factors and ergonomics, with a distinguished career dedicated to enhancing patient safety through the thoughtful design of hospital environments. With a background in both human factors and engineering, Dr. Morgan has a unique ability to evaluate and improve healthcare settings, ensuring they are both functional and conducive to patient well-being.
Throughout their career, Dr. Morgan has worked closely with clinicians, understanding the intricacies of medical workflows and the critical importance of a well-designed environment in preventing errors and promoting efficiency. Their expertise lies in identifying potential hazards and inefficiencies in hospital layouts and developing innovative solutions that prioritize patient safety and comfort.
In addition to their professional achievements, Dr. Morgan is a passionate advocate for patient-centred care. They believe that a hospital's physical environment plays a crucial role in the overall healthcare experience and are committed to ensuring that every design decision is made with the patient's best interests in mind.
Dr. Morgan's work has been recognized with several awards, and they continue to be a sought-after consultant for hospitals looking to improve their facilities. Their dedication to integrating human factors into healthcare design has made a lasting impact on the industry, setting new standards for patient safety and care.
Ged Couser
Principle, BDP, United Kingdom
Ged’s work is primarily focused upon healthcare and science and technology. He has extensive knowledge and experience of leading the design and delivery of major and complex projects in these sectors, from initial concept stage through to completion. He has a meticulous design approach and enjoys creating innovative solutions for the challenging problems that sometimes occur on both healthcare and sci-tech projects.
He is currently the project director for the new major Christie Paterson Research Laboratory in Manchester and was the project director for the multiple award winning Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool, which was handed over in June 2020. Both projects are major healthcare facilities with supporting pathology and production pharmacy services within them. He was also the architect project director for the NHS Nightingale North West hospital at Manchester Central Convention Complex which delivered a 750 bed regional Covid-19 emergency hospital in just two weeks.
Ged is on the Places Matter North West Design Review panel and in 2015 was appointed as a Built Environment Expert (BEE) by Design Council CABE. He is also a committee member of Manchester’s Forum for the Built Environment and is a former president of the RIBA Manchester Society of Architects.
A contemporary post-occupancy evaluation of ward design in the UK
Abstract Copy
The current post-occupancy evaluation (POE) framework suggested by NHS England for the evaluation of the design of hospitals does not include consideration of patient safety. We think this is a major flaw in the evaluation framework, and will lead to hospitals being designed without focusing on this key factor. The recent 'National State of Patient Safety' review (2024) highlighted patient and staff concerns about workforce shortages, unwarranted variations in hospital deaths and unprecedented problems with people accessing the care they need. That report estimates challenges in the NHS equates to 13,495 excess deaths per year (from treatable causes) compared to the highest performing health systems in the OECD. The design of the built environment is critical to enabling our clinical teams to deliver safe care and our patients to recover well.We will present a post-occupancy evaluation of current adult inpatient ward environments. We compare four generic ward design schemas for their impact on patient safety and experience, staff safety and wellbeing, and the impact on work processes on the ward. We are presenting this work at a critical time point when there is a major increase in hospital building and design work, and therefore it is critical that these projects are informed by the current challenges in providing healthcare in existing built environments.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the key aspects in ward design that impact patient safety
- Recognise the key challenges in current ward designs as architectural opportunities
- Apply the principles of the findings from the POE work presented to current designs under consideration
P88
Thinking on a new hospital – our keys for Pisa, hospital of the future
Francesca Dinelli
Physician, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Italy
Medical Doctor, graduated in 2003 at University of Pisa, specialist in Public Health. Has prevalent experience in Hospital medical management in different Tuscan Hospitals. Dealed mainly with Hospitals Organization and production (DRG), carried out audits on data quality of the Italian Piano Nazionale Esiti managed by Italian Agency AGENAS, checked production appropriateness and quality of the clinical documentation of accredited private structures and Tuscan AOUs.
Since 2020 works at the AOU Pisana Coordinating the Health Requirements and new Requirements – including emerging new Standards following Covid Outbreak - in the High Surveillance Structure of the Contracting Authority for the realization of the Nuovo Santa Chiara in Cisanello, a 1100 beds University second level - according to Italian classification - Hospital. Nowaday deals with verifying Standards level of the project, relationship between design changes according to fast innovation in Healthcare Organization, supporting and training clinicians propaedeutic to the transfer.
Silvia Briani
Director, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Italy
Silvia Briani, born in 1961, is a doctor who graduated from the University of Florence in 1990, specialist in Public Health. During her career she has always worked in public hospital management and organization. She has been director of several Tuscan hospitals, healthcare director of high Complexity Hospital in Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Senese, then Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana. Since 2017 she has been General Director of the Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana.
Thinking on a new hospital – our keys for Pisa, hospital of the future
Abstract Copy
The New Santa Chiara Hospital in Cisanello (NSC) in Pisa (Tuscany, Italy) is under construction (www.e-chiaracresce.it) as Pisa University Hospital (AOUP). The hospital has approximately 1,100 inpatient beds. The AOUP has 5,000 employees and currently in two hospital facilities – both pavilions. They will be brought together in a single location at the Cisanello Hospital where new buildings will connect to existing ones in an horizontal monoblock. Works will end in 2026, followed by the setting up, moving and redistribution of the activities. This impactful structural change involves transition from the current hospital organisation.The transfer requires commitment at all levels from today. The company is now focused on managing the change for all workers, as well as for patients and caregivers. The new structure, new spaces and contiguity will change the care processes and organisation, with shared spaces in new settings. This requires a staff training and change management process and a solid smart hospital, including digitalisation at multiple levels, co-ordinated from a command centre.
Research, change management and smart hospital are our key drivers for the move to the future.
First is change management. All healthcare organisations target safe and successful care delivery, pursuing excellence in quality and safety while improving patient and family satisfaction. The NSC project will bring deep structural and technological innovation, leading to new responsibilities, roles and organisational and care delivery models in the new hospital layout. Our approach for change management is to engage the participation of workers with a bottom-up approach, believing innovation must be shared and communicated.
The 'e-Chiara' project will allow the transition of the hospital into a smart hospital model, moving from a digital maturity-level assessment towards a complete transformation of processes into an interconnected and integrated ecosystem. The NSC hospital aims to be an healing environment, patient-centred, fully connected and flexible.
The process we are undergoing, of moving from an old to a new hospital of such dimensions and such high clinical complexity, is not very common. However, we believe that our model of change, based on change management and digitalisation, can represent a winning path to results. The work is managed by a limited group of professionals. However, we have extended the involvement of all interested internal and external stakeholders with a bottom-up approach, giving perspective to all the operators involved on the opportunity for change.
Learning Objectives
- Innovation
- Change management
- Facing new architecture
P89
Horizon: Building healthy ecosystems
James Crispino
Principal, global health sector leader, Gensler, United States
Jim Crispino has spent his entire career innovating for care, teaching, and research. He investigates and synthesizes new technologies, patterns of behavior, and spatial models in the creation of new programmatic hybrids. He applies this approach developing new projects for academic medical centers, health systems, universities, and research organizations.
Over his 25-year career his work is published in leading design journals including Architect, Record, and Interior Design. Jim's teams, projects, and research are recognized by AHA, EDRA, AIA, EHD, HCD and numerous State and local organizations.
Jim serves as a visiting critic and lecturer at forward-thinking institutions including MIT-DesignX, Parsons-The New School, University of Pennsylvania-The Wharton School. He is a frequent speaker and panelist at conferences and forums including Cleveland Clinic-Empathy & Innovation, Vanderbilt University-Healthcare Symposium, ACHE, and HCD.
Jim is a registered architect in New York City.
Horizon: Building healthy ecosystems
Abstract Copy
'Horizon: Building healthy ecosystems' posits that communities are better served by distributed systems, and that health and urban planning should be integrated to positively impact community health outcomes. Rising costs, diminishing returns and static outcomes leave many without appropriate care. The health effects of climate change place additional strains on the system, while our communities rightfully demand health equity. Horizon synthesises four years of research by the Gensler Research Institute. The research has five dimensions: Experience, Equity, Technology, Resilience and Operations. Each is focused on a key aspect of care delivery and integrated through Horizon's proposed approach to needs-driven urban planning. Planning our communities around proven strategies improving health simultaneously addresses top challenges regarding access, equity, workforce and climate change. Our mixed-methods approach included surveys, interviews, critique and observations.The Horizon ecosystem approach integrates and redistributes health and care services to focus care on the community and on the patient to provide the right service, in the right place at the right time. The implication is that the hospital of the future is actually a diverse and unconventional network embedded in a broad planning strategy for community development focused on the wellbeing of people.
Leaders from three of the top 20 academic medical centres and health systems have been invited to join Jim in the discussion and to workshop their diverse approaches and concepts regarding this new ecosystem. The panel will participate in the workshop with the attendees to debate the concepts and implications.
Learning Objectives
- Planning needs-based health ecosystems
- Understand components of health ecosystems
- Building sustainable and healthy communities
P90
Bringing care buildings, green space and the urban city together
Helena Beckman
Architect, LINK Arkitektur, Sweden
Helena Beckman is a senior architect with 25 years of professional experience, of which 18 in Life Science and Healthcare Architecture. She has extensive experience as a lead architect in technology-intensive projects with high complexity, and in addition to Life Science and healthcare, she has run projects in industry, logistics and universities/colleges. Helena is a communicative person who is driven by creating sustainable and quality spaces. She manages the process in the early stages and has great experience of holding business dialogues and workshops. In recent years, the emphasis has been on the early stages, but she has driven design in many projects - either for procurement of, or in collaboration with, the contractor and followed up the projects on site during construction and with users after moving in. She is passionate about reuse and sustainable materials and tries to inspire clients to achieve a high degree of utilization of the square meters that are built, with high architectural quality that allows them to remain and be used for a long time to come.
Bringing care buildings, green space and the urban city together
Abstract Copy
In the heart of Malmö, we are designing the Southern Hospital area for Region Skåne. This general consultancy assignment is a collaboration with LINK Arkitektur, Wingårdhs and Sydväst. The project will provide facilities for both children and adults in psychiatry, mobile care teams, specialised palliative care, habilitation and units for vision, hearing and deaf services in approximately ten years. The primary objective is to enhance both transparency and participation during the feasibility study and programming phases. Our goal is for the three parallel processes – urban design, building scale and operational planning – to be closely aligned, with progress easily trackable throughout. This approach has resulted in the creation of a co-produced programme phase report that serves as foundation for decision making across the entire project lifecycle.This report, completed at standard level, establishes key principles and strategies and aligns all stakeholders around a shared vision. Standardised care clinic and care wards are developed, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in the building's continued dimensioning and evolution.
The project features active dialogue with the City of Malmö regarding the development of the hospital area. We work closely with all stakeholders to design spaces that will support their operations and effective collaboration. The core question is how to create a space that serves the needs of the region's healthcare system, while simultaneously integrating the surrounding urban environment and green spaces. The programme phase report was developed collaboratively by the architectural team and the developer, serving as a key reference point for decision making throughout the design process. It remains a living document, evolving in response to the project's ongoing phases.
One of the most motivating aspects is making healthcare visible within an urban, green space. We continually test requirements through 3D sketches to ensure both functional and safety standards. For example, patient safety is a key requirement, particularly in relation to the separation of flows. We translate these requirements into physical design elements and assess the degree to which they should be implemented. This process allows us to balance functionality, vision and budget, ensuring that the project remains both feasible and aligned with the region’s goals.
This is an interdisciplinary endeavour, with close collaboration between all consultant teams and the client’s skilled organisation. By using standard levels and conducting pressure tests of requirements, we can validate solutions that are sustainable, efficient and practical for long-term implementation.
Learning Objectives
- Standard level
- Co-creation
- Transparent process
P91
Spaces for emotions: Designing hospitals for mental and social wellbeing
Elisa Cecilli, Strategic foresight, senior associate , Perkins&Will; Portland Design, United Kingdom
Elisa Cecilli
Strategic foresight, senior associate , Perkins&Will; Portland Design, United Kingdom
Elisa Cecilli is an economist and researcher who dedicated 15+ years to exploring socio-cultural change and its implications on business. She has distilled complex topics into actionable strategic recommendations for organisations such as the UK Government, CNN, Samsung, Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation, the NHS, Chatham House, Saïd Business School, Tata Consultancy Services, and Transport for London.
As an insights and foresight specialist, she runs global research and discovery programmes for the Perkins&Will London studio and Portland Design, and applies futures and design thinking to unlock growth opportunities and tackle the most pressing business challenges of the 21st century.
Gonzalo Vargas
Healthcare practice lead, Associate principal, Perkins&Will, UK
Gonzalo is the Health sector lead, supporting Perkins&Will’s established and experienced design studios across the UK and Ireland in delivering a growing portfolio of healthcare projects of lasting social value.
Gonzalo spent his formative years studying architecture and urbanism in Peru before relocating to the UK in 2002 where he began specialising in the healthcare sector. Gonzalo has worked at Nightingale Associates, Steffian Bradley Architects, NBBJ, BDP and TODD.
With over 20 years’ experience and an MSc in Planning Buildings for Health, Gonzalo has a proven record in the design and delivery of many different types and sizes of healthcare facilities across the UK and Europe. Gonzalo is member of the Executive Committee of Architects for Health.
As a leading expert in the field of healthcare design, Gonzalo’s specialist knowledge equips him to dynamically pursue positive user experience, design quality and functionality while maximising efficiencies on costs by working together with clients, consultants and contractors.
Ziyan Hossain
Managing director and co-founder, Method Collective, Canada
Ziyan Hossain is the co-founder of Method Collective, a design studio, and the award-winning Space for Grief initiative. As a designer, his practice sits at the intersection of systems thinking, life-centred design, strategic foresight, and art, with a focus on creating empathetic and resilient solutions across wellness, healthcare, culture, and urban design.
His work spans collaborations with Health Canada, the National Health Service (UK), and the City of Toronto, including cultural analyses, design updates for Toronto City Hall, and operational mapping for Curling Canada. Ziyan has also improved service systems for the Federal Courts of Canada and explored science and art intersections, including consulting on user experience for Eventide Audio’s acclaimed H9 and H90 pedals.
Spaces for emotions: Designing hospitals for mental and social wellbeing
Abstract Copy
The future of healthcare is being shaped by the rapid AI-fication of critical services, shifting attitudes toward wellness and longevity, and a dramatic workforce crisis. In this complex landscape, designing resilient healthcare environments demands a collective reflection on the role of hospitals in society and how key stakeholders can prioritise people’s mental, emotional and social wellbeing in meaningful decision making. Responding to UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s call that “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents”, this workshop will employ foresight methods, design and systems thinking to explore emerging socio-cultural trends that are reshaping values, behaviours and expectations of healthcare environments.The session will focus on designing healthcare environments as spaces for resilience, celebration, community bonding and collective healing, as well as spotlighting the emotional needs of three core audiences:
- workforce: addressing burn-out and fostering resilience;
- patients: designing spaces that heal beyond the physical;
- loved ones: creating environments for connection, bonding and support.
The economic and social imperative
Recent studies estimate that unaddressed grief costs North America over $200 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity (Source: Grief Recovery Institute and Deloitte Insights). The toll includes increased healthcare utilisation, absenteeism, reduced workplace performance and long-term disability. Ignoring emotional wellbeing not only harms personal health but also imposes a significant economic burden on communities and economies. Prioritising emotional care is therefore a matter of compassion and economic necessity. Research has shown that thoughtfully designed healthcare environments can significantly improve health and recovery outcomes. Thoughtful design reduces stress and improves recovery times, leading to better overall patient satisfaction and staff performance (Center for Health Design, 2016).
Workshop outcomes
Through a fusion of architecture, storytelling, and futures thinking, this workshop will:
- reignite a human-centred approach to healthcare design;
- foster collaboration among 2025 Congress attendees to tackle complex challenges;
- create a shared manifesto that inspires ongoing dialogue and actionable solutions.
The workshop will be based on a variety of sources, including insights gleaned from the successful Space for Grief installation series, as well as healthcare projects with the UK's National Health Service, Health Canada and more. By envisioning hospitals as spaces for resilience, celebration, community bonding and collective healing, we can transform healthcare environments to better serve the emotional and social needs of all stakeholders – laying the foundation for a healthier, more connected future.
Learning Objectives
- Workforce: How might we address burnout and fostering resilience?
- Patients: How might we design spaces that heal beyond the physical?
- Loved ones: How might we create environments for connection, bonding and support?
P92
Stakeholder collaboration in the NHS Golden Jubilee National Treatment Centre programme
Susan McLaughlin
Clinical programme manager, NHS Golden Jubilee, United Kingdom
I have over 38 years of healthcare experience initially starting my career as a Registered General Nurse then working across many diverse clinical and leadership roles prior to moving to my current post as Clinical Programme Manager at NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital. I have a keen interest in improvement and adopting new and innovative approaches to enhance patient care and outcomes; this has been integral in delivering a facility to support the growing healthcare needs as part of the Scottish Government’s National Treatment Centre Programme.
My current role oversees the expansion of Elective Services for Golden Jubilee National Hospital. Leading on:
Innovative patient and staff pathways
Managing design processes in new and refurbished projects
Managing complex clinical programs
Workforce planning
Overseeing and managing Operational Commissioning
Stakeholder collaboration in the NHS Golden Jubilee National Treatment Centre programme
Abstract Copy
NHS Golden Jubilee provides regional and national services in Scotland. As the largest single-site elective orthopaedic centre in Scotland, it receives patients from all over Scotland and, with the recent increase in theatre availability, performs over 30 per cent of all Scottish hip and knee replacements. There will be a significant growth in demand for elective surgical care over the next 25 years to meet this demand – and NHS Golden Jubilee has been tasked by the Scottish Government with planning additional elective care requirements.The Surgical Centre is connected to the existing hospital building at nine connections across three levels. It features:
• five orthopaedic UCV theatres, each with a lay-up prep room and an anaesthetic room;
• five endoscopy procedure rooms and 14 individual patient pods;
• a surgical day unit with 38 patient pods;
• a central sterile processing department;
• storage and supporting accommodation.
The project team worked closely with all key stakeholders ensuring that there was representation from design conception through to operational commissioning. Initial engagement focused on the key attributes and qualities that the facility should include to meet the needs of patients, staff and visitors and third sector colleagues. The brief for the design was to develop an innovative environment that supports the principles of safety, privacy and dignity and also patients who may be anxious ahead of surgery, while reducing reliance on pre-medication ahead of surgery.
As a centre providing high-volume activity, it was also key to improve the process by which patients are admitted for surgery, specifically:
o to reduce patient waiting time between admission to hospital and being taken to theatre for their procedure;
o to develop a design that supports improved patient flow and reduces distance travelled by staff and patients between admission, theatre and recovery.
The introduction of patient ‘pods’ allows the option to improve patient privacy, dignity and confidentiality, and additionally since the pandemic assisted with the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) while also negating the need for separate clinical rooms. The pods allow the choice for patients to be accompanied by a relative/carer, providing an an environment which supports a more personalised approach to patient care, and enabling family involvement in aspects of care and decision making. There was a a level of anxiousness about introducing pods; however, having stakeholders, including patients, as part of the decision-making process helped, along with the use of virtual reality, and reduced the need for changes at commissioning.
Learning Objectives
- Communication and collaboration
- Engagement with technology
- Setting the direction
P93
An integrated framework for improving healthcare services in chronic disease management: A case study on diabetes management in Saudi Arabia
Rahaf Alharbey
PhD researcher, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Rahaf Alharbey is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds. Her research focuses on healthcare design systems, where she employs an integrated framework to bridge the gap between technical and social factors in healthcare delivery. Rahaf's work aims to develop solutions that enhance chronic disease management, particularly for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, by considering both the technical and socio-cultural aspects that affect patient care and outcomes.
Omar Huerta
Lecturer, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Dr. Omar Huerta is a Lecturer in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds. His research interests focus on the development of advanced mechanical systems, including applications in biomedical and healthcare fields. He works at the interface of mechanical design, control systems, and human-centered technologies to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes
Alison McKay
Professor, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Professor Alison McKay is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds. Her research focuses on the mechanics of materials, particularly the performance of composite materials and structures under complex loading conditions. Her work combines experimental techniques with computational modelling to better understand and predict the behaviour of materials in real-world applications.
An integrated framework for improving healthcare services in chronic disease management: A case study on diabetes management in Saudi Arabia
Abstract Copy
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is becoming a serious health issue worldwide. The projections indicate that prevalence could rise to 700 million by 2045. In Saudi Arabia, the situation is especially concerning. Recent data from the International Diabetes Federation shows that the prevalence rate of T2DM is 20.5 per cent, significantly higher than in many other countries. Identified risk factors that lead to T2DM management include age (specifically individuals over 45), lifestyle choices (such as physical inactivity and unhealthy eating patterns), obesity, psychological stress and social determinants of health. An integrated approach that encompasses physiological, psychological and social factors is crucial for understanding and managing T2DM effectively. Thus, this research presents an integrated framework for improving T2DM management by combining social and technical factors.This study employs design science as a research methodology to investigate how patients, their families and healthcare professionals can incorporate both social and technical factors that impact T2DM management. Data collection involved purposive sampling based on data saturation, targeting older T2DM patients, their family members and various healthcare professionals from multiple hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A mixed-methods design research approach was utilised, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods. Each participant engaged in semi-structured interviews designed to extract information on socio-demographic variables, behavioural and psychological attributes, social support networks and barriers to management. Interview sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed from Arabic to English, and subsequently analysed using NVIVO software.
Analysis of the data revealed several key determinants of adherence, including emotional eating, work-life balance, sleep quality and the frequency and duration of physical activity. These findings have informed the development of a structural equation model to elucidate the relationships among these variables.
Based on these analyses, we are proposing an integrated framework to enhance T2DM management. We firmly believe that proposing this framework will serve as a valuable guide in the development of support interventions aimed at clarifying the critical uncertainties associated with the management of T2DM. We hope that the insights gained from this research will significantly enhance the understanding of various factors influencing T2DM management in Saudi Arabia and ultimately contribute to the generation of new, pertinent data within the field. By addressing these uncertainties, we aspire to pave the way for more effective strategies and improve overall patient outcomes in T2DM management.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the key socio-technical factors influencing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management
- Explore the application of design science methodology in advancing healthcare research
- Analyse the integration of social and technical factors to develop an integrated framework for enhancing T2DM management
P94
Robot-human cohabitation: A framework for people living with frailty
Evangelia Chrysikou
Associate professor, University College London (UCL), United Kingdom
Dr Evangelia Chrysikou is Associate Professor at the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction UCL, Founder/Program Director of the MSc Healthcare Facilities and Departmental Vice Lead Enterprise. Multi-awarded RIBA architect registered in the UK and Greece. Her expertise lies within healthcare architecture and medical technologies. She has published widely and has won several prestigious grants and fellowships including Horizon 2020, UKRI, Wellcome, British Academy, Royal Society of New Zealand, Sasakawa Foundation. Evangelia is a Member of the National Accessibility Authority in Hellenic Republic by invitation from the Greek Prime Minister. She was the coordinator of the Environment Section of the European Innovation Partnership on Healthy and Active Aging of the EU, managed by DG Connect and has worked with international government bodies such as the Japanese MOFA and Peru Reconstruction Mechanism. Former Vice-President of the Urban Public Health section of EUPHA. ULI Life Sciences and Healthcare Council Leadership Committee Member.
Jane Biddulph
Lecturer, University College London, United Kingdom
Dr Jane Bidduplh is an academic with expertise on chronic health conditions within the older population. JB has published on a variety of health conditions within the older population, and has analytical and survey expertise having worked with data that includes the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, the Health Survey for England and PRO-AGE (PRevention in Older people - Assessment in GEneralists' practices). JB has also worked on previous projects with EC on the built environment. JB will work with the team to provide linkage across the disciplines and to facilitate future application from the population health perspective of chronic conditions including mental health within the older population.
Fernando Loizides
Reader, associate professor, Cardiff University, United Kingdom
Dr Loizides is Reader (Associate Professor) in Computer Science and Informatics at Cardiff University and the Director of the Data Science Academy, UK. He also holds an Honorary Professorship at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. His main area of research and development lies in Information Interaction and user experience (UX) with a large focus on Decision Making and Accessibility. He has extensive experience in user study design and facilitation using cutting-edge technologies, eliciting user requirements, performing systems evaluation and developing working systems. He has extensively published in internationally leading journals and conferences. He has secured and completed EU and nationally funded projects, edited several books and proceedings, and successfully graduated several PhD candidates. He is also serving on academic committees such as being an expert member of the International Federation for Information Processing on the TC-13 Human-Computer Interaction Group. He has been actively involved in the creation of three new state-of-the-art Computer Science research labs from the ground up. He has over 15 years of industry experience, as a developer creating startups, managing teams and consultancy. His work has been featured on the BBC, Radio, online magazines and several social media outlets.
Nathan Jones
PhD student, Cardiff University, United Kingdom
Nathan Jones is currently a PGR student in the school of Computer Science and Informatics working on an MPhil funded by the KESS2 scheme.His research is primarily focused on improving the wellbeing of elderly people while living at home. Prior to becoming a PGR student he studied a Master's degree in Advanced Computer Science and a Bachelor's degree in Applied Software Engineering, both at Cardiff University.
Helen Hobbs
Director and specialist neurological consultant therapist, Hobbs Rehabilitation, United Kingdom
Helen Hobbs is Director and Specialist Neurological Consultant Therapist at Hobbs Rehabilitation Ltd. Member of BioMedEng Association. Co-founder of Hobbs Rehabilitation which provides specialist neurological rehabilitation for adults and children across the south of England. Hobbs Rehabilitation actively engages with the use of technology within clinical practice, education and research. Her early years at Greenwich, Brook and Kings College Hospital saw her gain experience in acute neurosurgery, neurology and neurorehabilitation.
She has gained international scholarships and fellowships taking her to the USA and South Africa.
Eleftheria Savvopoulou
Architect, independent researcher, SynThesis Architects, Greece
Eleftheria Savvopoulou is an Architectural Project Manager, Architect, Synthesis Architect and Wellbeing Ltd, Greece. Eleftheria completed her MSc in Architectural Project Management at the University of Edinburgh in 2011. She now practices as an Architect and PM specialising in the design and delivery of healthcare facilities in Europe and has been involved in several research projects and consultancies on health policies, funded by the European Commission, the Japanese Government and the NHS in collaboration with Dr Chrysikou.
Taha Hatcha
BIM Manager, Albertinen Krankenhaus, Germany
Dr. Eng. Hatcha Taha is a tech enthusiast with a background in architecture and city planning -PhD from HafenCity University Hamburg. He serves as the BIM Manager at Albertinen Krankenhaus, a reputable organization overseeing 85 healthcare facilities in Germany. Dr. Hatcha has a proven track record of success in implementing BIM and digital twins, with key achievements including the digital transformation of over 12 healthcare facilities and the creation of a digital landscape for autonomous car simulation (for Porsche, Germany) over an 85 km track equipped with virtual sensors. He has extensive experience in leading and managing EU Horizon projects, covering all aspects from writing proposals and forming consortia to managing and delivering the projects. He is the principal author of the SENSE project, a winning proposal of Digital Europe with a €6M budget focused on metaverse technology for smart cities. Additionally, Dr. Hatcha has worked with the Modis and Adecco Group and has developed expertise in smart building technologies. He is an active member of the Google Developer Group. His instructional roles include teaching 3D modeling, simulation, and real-time data visualization at Hafencity University and TU Dresden.
Jonas Rehn-Groenendijk
Head, Designinstitut für Gesunde Gestaltung, Germany
Dr Rehn-Groenendijk’s work deals with the role of design both as an approach to develop user-centered concepts and products to foster health and wellbeing. He graduated in industrial design with a conceptual design for a trackable device to change health behaviour. In his PhD-thesis granted from Bauhaus University Weimar (with summa cum laude), he is one of the first scholars who introduced the concept of priming in the field of design using an evidence-based and research-driven design approach. His work focuses on broadening the scope of design and design theory by incorporating scientific evidence and empirical research as genuine parts of a human-centred design approach particularly in the context of health and wellbeing. He therefore combines empirical and analytical methods from fields. He taught Weimar, Bern (CH) and London, has supervised bachelor and master theses and is reviewer for academic journals. Dr Rehn-Groenendijk worked for several years in transdisciplinary project that faced the challenges to integrate various actors from academia and industry to establish a share vision and co-create solutions beyond individual interests.
Robot-human cohabitation: A framework for people living with frailty
Abstract Copy
Europe and the UK are promoting innovation for people living with frailty (PLWF) with robots at the forefront. Yet, the adoption of robots in care environments is limited to devices such as voice assistants, even though the robotic industry races to break the commercialisation barrier. Our research, by bringing together expertise from healthcare architecture, population health, human-computer interaction and clinical practice, uncovered a link between robots being tested in labs bearing little resemblance to actual built environments as a barrier to the adoption of such technologies. This discontinuity leads to care environments not designed for robots or the needs of people living with frailty and to not-fit-for-purpose robots for home use, even robots could support PLWF with activities promoting mental and physical agility. Findings led to the creation of a framework for human-robot cohabitation and smart technologies within the built environment.Methodology included meetings with allied health professionals, visiting the Robot House, home visits including auditing eight lived-in residential properties of PLWF in sheltered housing at Gloucester City Homes. 3D scans of all properties and CAD floor plans were made. 3D scan images were produced to recreate plans of actual lived-in extra care environments simulating the robot’s function within the home environment, using personas for different case scenarios.
Based on data collected, the team produced a multi-level framework that can lead to future research exploring robot and PLWF cohabitation in real homes. It incorporates three levels that triangulate the resident’s needs, the built environment and robots/technology. Level 1 refers to 'Identifying user needs, preferences and social cohesiveness', Level 2 to 'The architectural structure and built environment features' (e.g. how does the built environment need to be designed or adjusted to fit the requirements of the robots to be implemented), and Level 3, 'Technology considerations for the robotic system', to the various types and functionalities of robots.
Currently, most available robots would not adequately fit in an independent living accommodation. This framework encompasses a vision where inclusive residential design supports ageing through facilitation of the use of technological advances and can be used to aid the planning of homes for living with, and technological support for, an ageing population with diverse and changing needs, with the intention of minimising relocation due to those needs. By unifying these three essential aspects, it enables a range of stakeholders, such as planners, architects, housing providers, etc., to consider aspects of those factors that may have hitherto been overlooked.
Learning Objectives
- The cohabitation of humans and robots presents substantial spatial limitations, which impede the effective implementation of robots in caregiving roles
- Most currently available robots would either be ill-suited or pose tripping hazards in independent living accommodations, including care homes
- Robots should be considered as one of the users of the care built environment
P95
Application of resilience concepts in healthcare facility networks
Mingming Zheng
PhD candidate, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
Application of resilience concepts in healthcare facility networks
Abstract Copy
The increasing uncertainty and complexity in the built environment have elevated resilience to a critical focus in the design and planning of healthcare facilities. Originating in ecology and engineering, resilience has evolved into a multidisciplinary framework that examines how systems adapt to and recover from disruptions. However, in healthcare architecture and planning, resilience remains inconsistently defined, with significant variations in research methods and areas of focus. This lack of clarity limits the practical application of resilience strategies in healthcare facility networks.This study aims to establish a clear definition of resilience in healthcare architecture and planning, differentiating it from other disciplinary concepts. It seeks to consolidate resilience assessment methods and integrate resilience enhancement strategies. The research contributes a comprehensive framework for improving the design and functionality of healthcare facilities under diverse risk scenarios, providing a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for future applications. It adopts Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology, systematically analysing literature from Web of Science, Scopus, and CNKI databases, covering publications up to 31 October 2024. The focus is on English-language studies relevant to resilience in healthcare facility design and planning.
A total of 113 articles were reviewed, offering a detailed analysis of resilience applications in healthcare facilities. The findings include: (1) a synthesis of definitions and classifications of resilience specific to healthcare design and planning; (2) a review of qualitative and quantitative methods for resilience assessment; and (3) an integration of strategies to enhance resilience at architectural and planning levels. Additionally, the study identifies challenges such as balancing spatial adaptability, functional continuity and rapid recovery, while highlighting opportunities for improving healthcare facility networks.
This research advances resilience theory in healthcare architecture by providing a clear and applicable definition, synthesising current assessment methods and proposing strategies for enhancing resilience across multiple scales. These insights contribute to designing adaptable, robust healthcare facilities capable of responding to complex risks and disruptions, supporting the broader goals of resilient health ecosystems.
Learning Objectives
P96
Should form follow function or function follow form? Should one size fit all!? A critical appraisal of hospital typologies
Dominic Hook
Architect director, BDP, United Kingdom
Dominic's is an Architect Director in BDP's multi-disciplinary London studio and and has spent most of his career principally focussing on the design of public healthcare projects. Dominic particularly thrives on the challenge of working on large projects with complex sites and briefs. He was the design team leader on the multi award-winning 60,000m2 Alder Hey Children’s Health Park in Liverpool and is the co-design lead on the 165,000m2 New Children’s Hospital in Dublin. The project, due for completion in 2025, is the largest, most complex and significant capital investment project ever undertaken in healthcare in Ireland.
Dominic was the project director of the new Oak Cancer Centre for the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, South London which completed in 2023. The building is a new clinical care and research facility and was funded by charitable donations. It contains a new day care unit principally composed of 66 chemotherapy infusion bays which are arrayed in a sweeping crescent facing a new richly landscaped garden. Located within the heart of the facility is a floor dedicated to dry lab research. The project has strong links with the adjacent Institute of Cancer Research headquarters (the Royal Marsden's principal academic partner) and sits in the centre of the emerging London Cancer Hub masterplan.
Current projects include a new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital for Epsom & St Helier on a site immediately adjacent to the Oak Cancer Centre, part of the New Hospital Programme, a new Cancer Centre for the Royal Free Hospital, and the redevelopment of Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon replacing the existing RAAC estate.
Should form follow function or function follow form? Should one size fit all!? A critical appraisal of hospital typologies
Abstract Copy
Should a hospital building be like a well-fitted suit, or a comfortable shell suit? Should a hospital be tailored to optimise its suitability to accommodate the current stated highly specific requirements? Or should it be an amorphous vessel, that can comfortably (but not optimally) contain the now, and the future, a one-size-fits-all jack of all trades, but potentially by virtue of its loose-fit nature, have a longer life ahead?This debate has ensued for as long as architects have been designing hospitals. And it is being debated ever more intensively again as the UK Government's New Hospital Programme's Hospital 2.0 quest is to devise a super-streamlined approach with a universal grid, super-rational form and highly standardised, ready for industrialised manufacture.
Is there a risk that the quest for standardisation and delivery optimisation focusing upon easing the process of designing and building (i.e. short-term considerations) potentially undermines the, unquestionably more important in use, long-term considerations?
Inpatient wards as a space type are a significant geometrical driver – more ‘deterministic’, and something that is more space-specific relative to arguably more generic space types such as radiology departments. Is it appropriate to attempt to shoehorn one clinical area into a space which is best suited to another? Inpatient wards have often been capitalised upon to provide a humanising relief to technically driven diagnostic and treatment spaces – breaking down the scale and providing differentiation. If these are subsumed within a greater ‘indeterminate’ mass, is there a risk that hospitals descend back into a world of generic ‘anywheresville’ factories for fixing the human body?
How is the quest for the rationalisation of hospital forms reconciled with other fundamental considerations such as site-specific characteristics, the urban context and townscape sensitivities, legibility, human scale, placemaking, patient and staff experience and civic pride while positively exuding a palpable sense of compassion? Surely these considerations are an important part of a hospital function – and its form should follow.
This paper will touch on the evolution of hospital typologies from shallow plan Nightingale wards through the era of Nucleus, RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) and super-deep-plan mega-hospitals, to a range of more contemporary site-specific responses to this eternal question and concluding with a insight into the functions informing the evolution of the building form of the National Children's Hospital in Dublin, which is due to be completed in 2025.
Learning Objectives
- How can the learning from the evolution of the past inform the evolution of the future?
- Critical discourse on the ongoing evolution of Hospital 2.0
- Insight into the ten-year work in progress development of the new children's hospital in Dublin
P97
Building evaluations and the comprehensive electronic health record for occupant health
Timothy Rossi
CEO, Architectural Medicine, United States
Timothy D. Rossi is the founder of Architectural Medicine LLC and has worked in the field of healthy, green, and sustainable architecture for almost three decades. From his days as an architectural engineering student to his current role as CEO of Architectural Medicine, he has continued to develop systems supporting health and wellness in the built environment.
He has authored two books, Architectural Medicine®, published in 2020, and The Architectural Doctor®, published in 2022. His current focus includes the development of ARxMD®, the Architectural Medicine Software Solution, and continuing his work on the Architectural Medicine System (AMS). This system bridges the fields of healthcare and architecture.
Currently based in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico, he enjoys taking landscape photography and playing music when he is not working and writing. He also enjoys playing sports and volunteers with local and national health IT and sports organizations.
Building evaluations and the comprehensive electronic health record for occupant health
Abstract Copy
Have you ever wondered why doctors do not include their patients’ built environment in their analyses? After all, the average person spends 60 to 90 per cent of their time inside buildings; why are these not included in healthcare analysis? Current research into the exposome and environmental exposures suggests that the built environment may play an essential role in the etiology of disease. However, there needs to be more data about a patient’s building, and how it can impact their health, that doctors and healthcare professionals can access.The Architectural Medicine System and the ARxMD software provide a platform to complete this cycle, from a doctor's initial request for building evaluations to the results for architects and building professionals to provide solutions. The long-term impacts of building health are recorded and added to the electronic health record, which becomes a comprehensive health record that includes building data. Data analysis, as building informatics, provides insights into the short- and long-term impacts of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). These evaluations include inspections related to indoor air quality, building materials, gases and toxins (i.e. CO, CO2, NOx), moulds and fungi, lighting issues, sound and noise, thermal inspections, and a range of other inspections focused on occupant health in buildings. These inspections include energy efficiency and topics relating to planetary issues, from climate change to the carbon footprint of buildings.
If no data is collected and analysed on these topics, how can changes be promoted through evidence-based design and evidence-based medicine? This presentation will define the systems required for these professions to work together and show the system functions using the ARxMD software platform. Providing an actionable with theory about health in buildings can be supported by systems and software that record building data. These evaluations can provide insights into patient health beyond the common clinical informatics and provide a direct focus on occupant and planetary health. The Architectural Medicine System process provides solutions beyond the hospital. It supports a health ecosystem for individual patient health and better public health, utilising these datasets for large-scale analysis.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how doctors can use building data for patient health
- How utilising building informatics can provide a bridge to better health in architecture
- Learn about the gaps that currently exist between architecture and healthcare and how to bridge them
P98
Carbon footprint cure: Addressing embodied carbon on healthcare projects
Vanessa Nelson
Senior associate, sustainability consultant, Stantec, United States
Vanessa manages Holistic sustainability services in Stantec’s Carbon Impact group. She has spent the last 2 decades managing green building and sustainability projects across a wide range of sectors including healthcare, laboratories, commercial buildings, mixed-use developments and city masterplans. She is a well-known and respected thought leader on sustainability frameworks such as LEED, WELL and Fitwel and is committed to working with project teams to integrate principles of health, well-being, and regenerative development. She also has a wealth of expertise in environmental consulting
and management services, having partnered with various government authorities in the development of green building code regulations. Vanessa has served on various U.S. Green Building Council committees at the local and national level.
Marelle Davey
Sustainability consultant, Stantec, United States
Marelle is a holistic sustainability consultant with an engineering background and expertise in sustainable building design as well as overarching sustainability guidelines and strategies. Her experience largely focuses on third-party certifications, including LEED, WELL, and Fitwel (as well as more niche ratings systems like Parksmart), embodied carbon analysis (Life Cycle Assessments, LCAs), Net Zero analyses and certifications (Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Carbon), climate adaptation and climate resiliency, and general advice and consulting services related to environmental sustainability and health
and wellness. Marelle has worked on projects in healthcare, science and technology, commercial, mixeduse, and industrial sectors.
Porus Antia
Principal, Stantec, USA
Porus is a Principal and regional lead for the Carbon Impact Team at Stantec. He leads a multidisciplinary group of engineers and technologists, focusing on high-performance, carbon neutral, and regenerative built environments. Porus has a Master’s of Science in Building Design and Climatic Responsive Architecture from Arizona State University. He has over seventeen years of experience in the
building industry and has worked on some of the largest net zero projects in the world. He has served as Project Manager on numerous high-performance carbon neutral projects and has provided leadership and a thorough understanding of energy and thermal systems. Porus’ passion extends to regenerative development, something he believes is transformational to the concept of sustainability itself.
Carbon footprint cure: Addressing embodied carbon on healthcare projects
Abstract Copy
As operational carbon is rapidly reducing in healthcare projects, the focus is expanding to include the elephant in the room: embodied carbon. Recent regulations, changes to certification systems and client/company sustainability commitments have prompted design teams to undertake embodied carbon analysis in an effort to lower embodied carbon and associated greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.A whole-building life cycle assessment was undertaken for a new medical clinic and opportunities were identified and implemented to reduce embodied carbon in the structure and enclosure by 36 per cent. Adaptive reuse of an existing building was pursued for a medical office building to deliver substantial embodied carbon savings. A preliminary comparative analysis was performed for a new hospital that identified key embodied carbon reduction strategies early and predicted their impact on overall embodied carbon for the project.
There are numerous embodied carbon reduction measures and opportunities available for any healthcare project, even with hospital-specific structural design and project constraints. There are also multiple pathways for identifying, implementing and measuring the positive environmental impact of these measures.
Healthcare projects often have massive structures with large carbon footprints – even the lowest-hanging fruit of embodied carbon strategies can have huge carbon emission reduction or avoidance implications. Embodied carbon reduction measures must become the norm in the healthcare industry. There is still work to be done in standardising and streamlining embodied carbon measurement tools and processes to generate more consistent data and make the process more accessible. Additionally, embodied carbon measurement and reduction currently mainly focuses on structure and enclosure – more work from the industry is needed to expand this scope to mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, finishes and furnishings, and site works.
Learning Objectives
- Learn about embodied carbon, why it's important to design teams and owners, and methods available to measure and reduce it in healthcare projects
- See three healthcare design projects that undertook embodied carbon analysis, how we reduced embodied carbon on the project, how embodied carbon is represented in certification schemes such as LEED and BREEAM, and steps to implement it on your next project
- Find out about the limitations and future of embodied carbon analysis and the importance of its role in the total carbon story
P99
Crafting excellence: The art and science of patient experience at UHN Toronto Western Hospital’s new surgical and patient tower
Chen Cohen
Partner, DIALOG, Canada
Cohen, known simply by her last name, is an award-winning designer celebrated for her expertise in large-scale, complex institutional projects. With a background in both interior design and architecture, Cohen brings a holistic approach to designing buildings from the inside out. Her work is defined by an exquisite interplay of light, thoughtful material selections, strategic use of colour, and carefully curated furnishings that elevate the spatial experience.
Recognized for her methodical, hands-on, and collaborative approach, Cohen guides projects from concept to completion, translating her clients’ visions and aspirations into thoughtful, refined, and elegant designs. A passionate advocate for equitable and universal design, she fosters meaningful conversations around cultural, physical, and gender sensitivities to enrich user experiences. As a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) Professional, she is dedicated to creating inclusive environments that promote meaningful engagement and equitable experiences for all.
Rebecca Repa
Executive vice president, clinical support and performance, University Health Network (UHN), Canada
Rebecca Repa is the Executive Vice President of Clinical Support and Performance, University Health Network (UHN). Her portfolio includes responsibility for Altum Health, Commercial Strategy, FM-PRO (Facilities Management – Planning, Redevelopment & Operations), Hospital Accreditation, Infection Prevention and Control, the Joint Department of Medical Imaging, the Laboratory Medicine Program, Performance, Pharmacy and the Office of Stewardship and Sustainability.
Rebecca has an Honours Degree in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration from the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. She also holds a Part-time Associate Professor appointment within the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. Her academic interests include Strategy Development in Complex Systems and Executive Coaching for high performance. Rebecca is a Board Member with International Outreach Program at St. Joseph’s System and is past Chair of the YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford and a recent Board Director for Albright Long Term Care.
Crafting excellence: The art and science of patient experience at UHN Toronto Western Hospital’s new surgical and patient tower
Abstract Copy
As healthcare technologies advance at an unprecedented pace, a key question arises: how can we design facilities that accommodate complex medical care while fostering environments that comfort, heal and inspire? The new surgical and patient tower at Toronto Western Hospital serves as a model for achieving this balance through human-centred design.This session delves into how the integration of space, light, nature and technology transforms the patient journey in a large-scale, urban healthcare setting. From dramatic public areas and community spaces to private patient rooms, healing outdoor environments and cutting-edge clinical facilities, the design elevates every aspect of the experience. Presenters will share how University Health Network (UHN) leadership, along with the DIALOG design team, reimagined healthcare spaces to rival the world’s finest civic environments, setting new global standards for patient experience and redefining the intersection of healthcare and design innovation.
Attendees will learn strategies for harmonising bold architectural expressions with the creation of intimate, patient-centred spaces, and discover innovative techniques for integrating biophilic materials and enhancing access to nature to promote wellbeing for patients and staff while maintaining optimal medical functionality.
Learning Objectives
- Discover design strategies that elevate healthcare environments to world-class standards
- Gain practical insights into stakeholder engagement processes that drive better design outcomes in complex healthcare projects
- Discover innovative techniques for integrating biophilic materials and enhancing access to nature to promote wellbeing for patients and staff while maintaining optimal medical functionality
P100
Integrating country-led design and sustainability in healthcare: The new Shellharbour Hospital development
Jonny Perks
Associate director, Steensen Varming, United Kingdom
Jonny is an Associate Director within Steensen Varming and leads the global Sustainability team. With diverse experience, primarily within urban development, he is passionate about improving the sustainability of cities, and understanding the climatic, cultural, and site-specific influences for developing sustainable design solutions. Having lived and worked in the UK, Australia, Middle East and Hong Kong, he understands the importance and complexity of adapting design solutions to the local context.
Jonny has developed sustainability and energy strategies for a range of masterplans, buildings, and infrastructure developments, including microclimate analysis and optimisation of passive thermal comfort design for outdoor and indoor spaces. He has also produced strategic carbon and energy reduction analysis for government bodies.
He has experience managing many international sustainability rating systems and has carried out assessments for projects around the world. This includes BREEAM, LEED, WELL, Green Star, GSAS and CEEQUAL on a range of UK and international projects. He has developed bespoke sustainability frameworks for both masterplans and buildings, incorporating strategies to optimise the efficient use of resources, while ensuring designs can adapt to future climatic conditions.
Michael Grave
Cox Architecture, Australia
Michael is an Associate Director of the practice, having joined COX in 1998.
Michael deals in complex strategic problems and building types, aiming to distil their challenges into succinct, sensible design solutions. Michael specialises in health and research facility design, education master planning, and specialised precinct planning. Michael embraces each of these focus areas and engages clients in a strategic, far-sighted appraisal of each project opportunity.
Michael’s work in these specific sectors has led to extensive experience in developing and initiating stakeholder consultation processes, and both functional and detailed services briefing. His experience is substantial across a range of areas both in Australian and overseas, including master planning, residential design, health, climate-specific façades/external envelope design development, and large steel structures.
Michael is project lead for the New Shellharbour and Integrated Services project, a $722M capital works project delivering services upgrades across five distinct sites in the Illawarra region of NSW, on a new site south of Shellharbour. The project has a comprehensive range of objectives including high standards of contemporary care models, digital transformation, design excellence under the new Design Guide for Healthcare document jointly published by Health Infrastructure and the NSW Government Architect and strong engagement with the regional Indigenous population.
Integrating country-led design and sustainability in healthcare: The new Shellharbour Hospital development
Abstract Copy
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) in NSW, Australia, operates on the lands of the Dharawal and Yuin nations, who have lived in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region for millennia. Their cultures, laws, ceremonies and connection to the land and waterways are strong and First Nation people make up 3.4 per cent of the ISLHD population. Steensen Varming has been collaborating with Health Infrastructure NSW and ISLHD on the design of several healthcare facilities within the district, including the new Shellharbour Hospital development. Country-led design and Aboriginal engagement have been pivotal in the design process, led by Yerrabingin as Indigenous facilitator and supported by lead designers Cox Architects and STH Healthcare Planners. Steensen Varming worked with the design teams, client teams and wider stakeholders to establish the sustainability strategy for the new hospital.The Local Health District (IHD) had high sustainability aspirations for the project, prompting us to host a series of workshops with many project stakeholders and team members to explore sustainability opportunities. Attendees included management and operations staff from the existing hospital, the ISLHD capital projects team, Health Infrastructure NSW and the wider project teams. The workshops examined various aspects of sustainability, helping establish the LHD's priorities and leading to a clear set of goals for the project. Additional workshops were held at each design stage to assess how the aspirations were embedded into the project. These sessions mapped out strategies onto the site, explaining the implications for design in terms of spatial impacts, costs and benefits to the site, patients, staff and alignment with the country-led design process established by the lead architectural team.
Our paper will explore the collaborative approach that led to the development of the sustainability strategy for the new hospital, including:
- early engagement process: input and collaboration with traditional owners;
- establishing broader design principles and the relationship between the hospital and community health promotion;
- educational workshops and co-ordination that helped develop the project sustainability strategies;
- development of building massing and optimisation for daylight, views and interaction with the landscape;
- electrification analysis to enable net-zero operational carbon;
- establishing key sustainability priorities through discussions with, and education of, LHD, stakeholders and design teams;
- discussion of the interrelationships between strategies and key design decisions that promoted positive benefits to patients, staff, the environment and the wider commmunity.
Learning Objectives
- Sustainable healthcare cesign
- Connection with country
- Education of stakeholders and clients
P101
Advancing collaboration and outcomes in healthcare: The role of an association for health planning
Margo Kyle
Group manger national health facility planning, Health New Zealand, New Zealand
With over 25 years in the health sector, Margo has over 10 years experience working as a health planner. She passion for contemporary healthcare planning in her role as the GM National Health Facility Planning and Design Advisory and Assurance with the Infrastructure and Investment Group, Health New Zealand.
Annabel Frazer
Health planner, Frazer Advisory, Australia
Annabel Frazer is a healthcare and design professional dedicated to advancing care delivery through strategic innovation. A passionate advocate for the health planning profession, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Australasian Association of Health Planners and fostering trusted advisory relationships across Australasia. Annabel is a skilled facilitator, known for promoting collaborative dialogue among service and infrastructure clients, stakeholders, and planning and design teams.
Advancing collaboration and outcomes in healthcare: The role of an association for health planning
Abstract Copy
Effective health planning is critical to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing modern healthcare systems, including increasing demand, resource constraints and workforce pressures. Health planning operates across three key streams: health system planning, health service planning and health facility planning. The Australasian Association of Health Planners (AAHP) has emerged as a vital platform for unifying and advancing professional health planning practices in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand.This paper examines the contributions and benefits of establishing a professional association, the AAHP, and its focus on the three health planning streams. It highlights the role of health planners in contributing to integrated, human-centred and sustainable healthcare systems, addressing the benefits for both health planners and the wider industry. The development of the AAHP, including a literature review, a survey of health planners and the development of a 'Capability Framework', is analysed alongside case studies illustrating the application of the three planning streams. Examples include the design of adaptive health systems during the Covid-19 pandemic, service reconfigurations to meet population health needs, and infrastructure solutions aligned with sustainable healthcare delivery models and focused on building better, not more.
The establishment of a professional body representative of health planning and the engagement with individuals has fostered significant improvements in planning effectiveness and collaboration. Health system planning enables robust policy development and outcome evaluation. Health service planning optimises care models and resource allocation, while health facility planning has delivered capital infrastructure that supports current and future care needs.
The AAHP exemplifies how professional organisations can catalyse improvements in healthcare planning by strengthening practices, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting professional development. Its three-stream approach offers a comprehensive model for addressing the complexities of modern healthcare. The establishment of the AAHP provides a blueprint for advancing health planning as a discipline globally. Integrating system, service, and facility planning ensures a holistic approach to building resilient and equitable healthcare ecosystems that are responsive to changing demands.
Learning Objectives
- Quality improvement
- Interdisciplinary knowledge exchange
- Emerging practices and skills
