Nussbaumer, Chapter 13

Fig. 1- This healthcare center creates a sense of warmth
and welcome to help patients feel relaxed. 

Healthcare design is an important market of design. In Nussbaumer's chapter 13, the concern is about the physical and psychological well-being of individuals (Fig. 1); its primary focus is to deliver quality and efficient care. With a variety of patients needing care, designs have to consider good circulation, verified way-finding, methods, access for all-sized people and people with disabilities.
Proxemics must be factored in as well so as to not invade personal space.

Some firms actually use research to help inform their projects this is referred as evidence-based design. EBD helps to center facilities around the patients' needs. The Institute for Patient-Centered Design has come up with 10 principles that connect the space to the client:
1. Respect privacy.
2. Facilitate communication, collaboration, and trust.
3. Accommodate patient and family participation.
4. Empower patients
5. Promote safety and security.
6. Provide accessible accommodations.
7. Create comfortable environments.
8. Support healing.
9. Support staff's goals.
10. Identify design opportunities that respond to unmet needs.

Fig. 2- This way-finding method utilizes
color and flooring to be a continuous
resource.  

Way-finding helps to have good circulation in a healthcare facility. Clear signage and different methods need to apply to multiple types of people. Way-finding methods need to begin upon arrival and flow throughout the building (Fig. 2). Way-finding has to respond to visitor's needs at every turn and alleviate the burden of answering questions for the staff. Different methods can include: different colors, imagery, and textures.

Healthcare facilities including, outpatient buildings and hospitals, have varying types of rooms and they all must be ADA compliant. Reception and waiting area will be near the front door, and need to have seating for privacy or a sociopetal gathering (Fig. 3). The entrance and waiting area must give a comfortable feel; water and foliage features provide natural and relaxing vibes. Patient rooms may have multiple layouts, and must create a sense territoriality. A chapel might even be in the plan in a hospital. A design professional must be especially keen on how to create this space for differing people.

Fig. 3- This waiting room allows for space for
patients to sit next to each other or farther away
from the crowd, if chosen. 

Long-term care facilities provide assistance to older adults. Many live in a long-term care facility, or a nursing homes, because they have limited mobility or have a degree of memory loss. Way-finding and layout are particularly important here. The elderly people need a place where they can contribute to society, while being comfortable and safe. Therapeutic gardens are helpful in this sense that the psychological, social, and spiritual needs of people are met.

Fig.4 - This chapel in a hospital allows for a
relaxing and calming break to grow spiritually. 

Healthcare design is ultimately to create a comfortable and space to take care of patient's needs.
This is so the case that every factor needs to be taken into account so as to create an environment that promotes healing.