Have Your Say … Why are outside spaces important in a healthcare setting?
This month the Design Insider team has thoroughly enjoyed the lovely weather and it was well timed as we take a look at outside spaces. For this month’s Have Your Say question we decided to broach the question of the importance of outside spaces in a healthcare setting.
We have started the conversation asking Why are outside spaces important in a healthcare setting? How can outside space be improved in a healthcare setting? Can lessons be learnt from outside space in hospitality and workplace settings? What can we learn from international healthcare research and providers? Now we welcome you to add your opinion by leaving a comment at the end of the article!
Sam Samuels, Managing Director, Furniture Fusion
‘An outdoor space is imperative for any healthcare environment – for a patient the outdoors help with recovery, distress, get the mind in the right place. You can’t manufacture the feeling of the sun hitting your skin, smelling the fresh air and rain, endorphins rushing through the body, but you can help enhance the experience with amazing furniture and turn a negative environment into positive.’
Paul Callan, Managing Director, Evans Textiles
‘For many of us it’s easily taken for granted, but for residents in care homes, going outside often has a positive impact on wellbeing and can help to relieve the monotony of everyday life. However, it’s also important to add that interior design can also play a crucial role – by bringing the outside in. We’ve recently produced a number of bespoke floral & animal fabric prints that incorporate nature into their surroundings.’
Sylke Mikolajczak, Marketing Manager, DELIUS
‘Fresh air is good for health and promotes the recovery process. Therefore, outdoor areas are important in the healthcare segment. These can be parks where patients can go for walks, or comfortable seating areas where they can retreat with their families when visiting.’
How can outside space be improved in a healthcare setting? Can lessons be learnt from outside space in hospitality and workplace settings? What can we learn from international healthcare research and providers? Please let us know in the comments section below of on twitter @DesignInsider1