Insights & Solutions

The issue of excessive noise in healthcare facilities is indeed complicated. Patients need a calm, peaceful environment in which to heal, and loud noises certainly are at odds with that concept. While architectural and design choices can be made to lower the general noise level -- high-performance sound-absorbing materials in floors, ceilings, and walls are examples -- perhaps the most important and effective step a healthcare organization can take is to create a “culture of quiet” among its staff on all levels.

For many years, carpet was considered a no-no for use in most hospital settings beyond waiting areas. The most oft-cited reason was cleanability, as well as a perceived added difficulty for caregivers pushing carts and other wheeled equipment.

However, with the growing awareness of the noise issue in hospitals—including the potential financial repercussions, based on the HCAHPS system and the reimbursements tied to it—carpet is getting a second look in some facilities looking to decrease overall noise levels.

Shepley, M. M., Pasha, S., Ferguson, P., Huffcut, J. C., Kiyokawa, G., & Martere, J. (2013). Design research and behavioral health facilities. The Center for Health Design.

KASIAN ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN & PLANNING LTD.  Firm's role on the project: Prime Consultant, Architect of Record, Interior Design     About the Project

A set of project drivers act as a tool to facilitate the design team’s comprehension of the main criteria for the project. The drivers for South Health Campus seek to:

Natural light permeates the interiors of the acute care hospital in the public areas, patient rooms, operating rooms, PACU and at the ends of the patient corridors. A Gold-Level LEED Certified Healthcare Facility, the hospital is the centerpiece of the 28-acre campus that also includes a medical office building.

The 227,128-square-foot hospital is noteworthy because of the considerable number of evidence-based design principles incorporated within one hospital to create a healing, yet efficient environment. The facility is designed to enhance patient care as well as staff/patient efficiencies.

Evidence-based design and safety priorities in the patient rooms were a key focus. With the hospital's focus on safety, the primary outcome desired by the client was the reduction of preventable episodes, such as patient falls, post-procedural infections, staff lifting and other occupational injuries, and reduced length of stay for patients. 

The Children’s Hospital Art Committee knew from the start they wanted the art program created for their Paramount Farms Plaza expansion to illustrate the importance of the San Joaquin Valley, and the produce grown there, to the rest of the world in a manner that would excite and involve children and local artists in the creation of a highly polished art program.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services wanted to involve the community of Rio Rancho in the creation of an art program that not only visually established a connection to Sandoval County, but also reflected New Mexico’s rich culture. The art program was to reflect the new face of Presbyterian, elements of which would be implemented at their existing flagship downtown location to visually create “One Presbyterian”. Authenticity was paramount.