Designing buildings to help reduce stress and anxiety involves understanding instinctive, automatic responses to our environment, making places that engender a sense of trust. This involves light, space, a sense of place and ease of use. It involves body language for buildings, provides built-in optimism, and works regardless of helpful people, signs and maps. We believe that by enhancing our sense of fundamental trust in our environment, we have a better chance of rapid recovery, cared for by happier staff.

The Approach and Entrance to the Building
Why can’t arriving at hospital feel more welcoming and relaxing, perhaps like a park? Our hospital entrance is wide, with welcoming open arms; there is no institutional ‘front door’ to confront you. Everything is clearly seen and bright colours help to direct you to your destination, although there is a reception desk nearby with friendly staff if you require help.

Typical Corridor
Our corridor resembles more a meandering stream than a tunnel, with breathing space to wait or to gather yourself after a difficult moment and plenty of space for the doctor and nurse who are in a hurry. Our corridor also has a ‘sky’ rather than a ceiling, formed by dichroic glass reflecting and refracting the light from the windows and concealed lights.

Outpatient Waiting Area
Outpatients is stressful: news – both good and bad – is first broken here. The issue is choice: a view out or in, a seat close to the nurses or further away? People need choice because they cope differently. Regardless of the purpose of the visit, this outpatient waiting area will be a calm place for patients and staff.

Four Person Bedroom
Each bed rests within a small curved alcove – a ‘bed place’ which houses discretely everything from the patient’s personal locker to the nurse-call, telephone, curtains, oxygen system and TV. It could even have a data-projector shining onto wall or ceiling, so a video-link to a loved one could be at the touch of a button. Four bed places are arranged in a gentle curve, each having a direct view of the world outside through the large window. The bedroom opens into a shared day sitting area, with access to a balcony.