By Erik Higgins and Tiffany Kalloor, associate principals at Hoefer Welker While providing top-quality patient care can never be replaced as a priority, the design of healthcare facilities is a major factor in creating an overall environment that supports healing and well-being for patients and staff. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare real estate design, new trends continue to reshape how providers utilize facilities. This is particularly true for behavioral healthcare spaces. It is crucial to have architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) partners who share a commitment to empathetic and flexible design, incorporating diverse viewpoints and staying current with changing technology. Healthcare organizations expect design plans that are at the forefront of innovation and that extend beyond functionality — designs that benefit the holistic patient experience. With bespoke patient spaces, designated areas for employee wellness, the integration of biophilic design and state-of-the-art technology, the behavioral health design landscape is rapidly adapting. This requires balancing escalating construction and renovation costs and amenities no longer considered optional. Recently, we’ve seen the following features successfully incorporated into designs of healthcare facilities: Personalizing Patient Experiences Behavioral healthcare facilities have become committed to providing options for patients to personalize their rooms. Whether it’s lighting, art or …
