Healthcare Facilities in 2020: Brush Up On The Latest Design Trends

What’s New for Healthcare Facility Office Design in 2020?

A new decade is upon us, and big things are brewing in the healthcare industry. As new trends in workplace design develop, hospital designers are working to create smarter and better facilities for patients. From biophilic design to multi-use facilities, you can expect big changes in the healthcare industry over the next year or so.

If you’re intrigued about what’s currently developing, take some time to read about the biggest trends in healthcare facility design.

Developing Multi-Use Facilities

Pristine, White Reception Desk for a Hospital

Over the past few years, there has been a big push to create more multi-use (or mixed-use) facilities. While many medical facilities offer robust services for inpatients, there’s often a lack of convenience for those who just need to check in with a specialist. Mixed-use facilities will offer small-scale services that are suitable for patients who don’t need to stay at the hospital, while still offering traditional inpatient care.

Sections of hospitals will be set aside for pharmacies and specialized offices, so patients won’t have to travel all over the place to get help. By doing this, healthcare professionals can offer more flexible solutions for a large variety of patients. These facilities will also provide job opportunities for healthcare professionals who specialize in certain areas.

Pushing for More Technology

Set of Microscopes on a Table for Doctors to Use

We’d also like to touch a bit on the latest technology trends developing in the healthcare industry. Robotic systems are continuing to develop and could become helpful assets to doctors across the country. As technology continues to improve, robotic tools could be used to accomplish tasks that are too difficult for doctors to complete on their own.

This push for new technology won’t be reserved for doctor’s offices either. Some hospitals have started putting smart tablets into waiting rooms to keep kids entertained during long waits. Designers are also learning to incorporate digital maps that will help first-time visitors navigate the facility.

Technology can do a lot for medical facilities and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Sustainability Will Remain a Key Focus

Hospital Reception Desk Made From Reclaimed Wood

An existing trend that will continue to develop is the focus on sustainability in healthcare facilities. Since these facilities require a hefty amount of energy to operate, designers are looking for ways to save electricity and money. Medical professionals are helping patients, so they may as well help the environment as well.

A major shift will come in regards to which materials are used to design these facilities. One common material that is being used is reclaimed wood, since designers don’t need to harvest new materials to build new offices. Besides being sustainable, they give medical facilities a more traditional vibe that’s more inviting to excitable patients.

When shopping for furniture to use in healthcare facilities, medical professionals are prioritizing products that are made from recycled materials. By doing this, they’re helping to preserve natural resources that could have been harvested.

Designing the Floors Around Wayfinding

Wayfinding is a popular design technique that’s making its way into more medical facilities.

This involves the use of designs and colors to guide people through buildings they are unfamiliar with. It’s easy for people to get lost in medical facilities that have multiple departments, so this is a smart technique to use and refine. Signs are commonly used for wayfinding, but more hospitals are using floor designs to guide people.

Say for example you have a hallway that splits off into two directions, each leading to a dedicated department. You could have two lines of color painted on the floor, each representing a department, and have them split off to show where each office is. Not only does this guide first-time visitors, it also provides your facility with an interesting visual design.

Incorporating Biophilic Design & Natural Light

Wooden Planters Holding Green, Leafy Plants

Biophilic design will also be a major focus for hospitals and similar facilities over the next few years. Visiting the hospital is a stressful experience for many, so companies have been looking for ways to help patients relax.

Plants improve the oxygen levels in the nearby area, while also providing comforting visuals that help people unwind. Therefore, you can expect more facilities to have plant atriums outside, along with large glass windows that help patients observe them from the waiting room.

It’s not only about plants though; people are also working to incorporate more natural light into their facilities. More windows will be added to allow outside light to get into doctor’s offices and waiting rooms, reducing the need for artificial light. Natural light is a great combatant against bacteria, so this will be extremely beneficial for incoming patients.

Looking for furniture and office supplies that are suitable for healthcare providers? OP Plus can provide you with everything you need.

Browse Supplies for Healthcare Facilities »

« Back to Blog