Bringing the Outdoors In: Biophilic Design & Durable materials in Pediatric Healthcare
The design of healthcare spaces is evolving. No longer are sterile, clinical environments the norm – especially when it comes to children’s hospitals. A growing body of research demonstrates the positive impact of thoughtful design on patient well-being, and leading institutions like the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU are embracing this shift.This article explores how the hospital’s new Children’s Tower inpatient center leverages biophilic design principles alongside innovative, durable materials to create a truly healing environment.
The Power of Biophilic Design in Healthcare
Biophilic design, at its core, connects people with the natural world. It’s about incorporating elements like natural light, textures, and patterns to reduce stress, improve mood, and accelerate healing. Though, implementing biophilic design in a healthcare setting presents unique challenges. Strict hygiene requirements and the need for durable surfaces often clash with natural materials.
That’s where innovative solutions come into play. The design team at HKS Architects, in collaboration with 3form, successfully navigated these challenges in the new Children’s Tower. Their goal? To create a revitalizing and welcoming ambiance throughout the hospital, particularly within the dining area.
Overcoming Hygiene Challenges with 3form’s Varia Material
The team envisioned a dining area and planter wall brimming with color and natural elements. But traditional wood wasn’t a viable option due to its maintenance needs and susceptibility to bacteria. Rather, they turned to 3form’s Varia material.
Varia allows for digitally-printed designs on a durable, easy-to-clean surface.This meant they could achieve the look and feel of wood grain without compromising hygiene or longevity. As Keenan Smigelski, a sales consultant at 3form, explains:
“We offer designers access to a curated library of more than 21,000 images, patterns, and graphics-such as the wood grain HKS selected for the dining area-that can meet their digital printing needs. It allows them to bypass sourcing limitations, ensuring creative freedom without having to compromise fabrication efficiency.”
This digital printing method offered a crucial advantage: collaboration. the designers worked directly with the manufacturer to perfectly mimic the desired natural aesthetic.
Key Benefits of the Design Approach:
* Enhanced Cleanliness: Varia’s smooth, non-porous surface simplifies cleaning and disinfection.
* Durability: the material withstands the high traffic typical of a hospital environment.
* Creative Freedom: Digital printing unlocks a vast library of design options.
* biophilic Integration: Brings the calming benefits of nature indoors.
* Customization: Allows for tailored designs that align with the hospital’s brand.
A Holistic Approach to Healing Environments
The success of the dining area design informed the broader aesthetic of the Children’s Tower. The hospital consciously moved away from a traditional clinical look, opting instead for a colorful, creative, and comfortable atmosphere.
The color palette draws inspiration from the hospital’s brand – incorporating pink, yellow, blue, and green throughout the space.This creates a cohesive and uplifting environment for patients, families, and staff.
Smigelski emphasizes the larger impact of this design philosophy:
“This hospital is dedicated to improving children’s health in the Richmond community, Commonwealth of Virginia, and region. This addition established a destination for health and well-being for children of any age,creating a clinical care environment that enhances interprofessional team collaboration,while engaging care team members,patients,families,and the community.”
The Future of Healthcare Design
The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s new tower exemplifies a growing trend: prioritizing the emotional and mental well-being of patients through thoughtful design. By embracing biophilic principles and leveraging innovative materials like 3form’s Varia,healthcare facilities can create spaces that are not only functional and safe,but also genuinely healing.
You, as a healthcare professional or designer, can apply these lessons to your own projects.Consider how you can integrate natural elements, prioritize durability, and create a welcoming atmosphere that supports the well-being of everyone who enters the space.
Aubrie Nader is Brand Manager for 3form.
Resources:
* [3form Website](https://www.3-form.
