The answer is yes, and there’s a growing body of evidence to prove it.
A recent NY Times article detailed the interior design of a mock patient room at The University Medical Center of Princeton. These designers took a thoughtful approach with this renovation, yet never losing sight of scientifically-measureable goals. Yes, thoughtful in the design principles sense, but also in more of the” Golden Rule” principle. After months of collaboration with nurses and doctors, a room was set up that was for one patient only, with ample space for guests to visit and sleep, a view, and a space plan that was conducive foremost to the patients ease and privacy. The result of this re-design after months of testing showed that although the meals and care were the same, the patients rated the new rooms in the 99th percentile, as compared to in the 61st percentile in the old design. The most astonishing result was that patients requested 30 percent less pain medication.
Outstanding, such radically positive results. I am often reminded that we have a powerful role and responsibility as interior designers, much more than had been previously understood or pursued. How rewarding to be part of the healing process.
To see the article: