Changing Concept Project Goals

Seasons Accepting, embracing To place people at the heart of the design process and
create a space that:

Rehabilitation Centre and making change. - meets and bridges the needs of a diverse modern
healthcare environment.

Project Brief:
A local physician who currently runs a solo practice is look-
ing to set up a new practice with other partners in order to
reduce overhead costs and to potentially provide more inte-
grated services. They have asked your firm to provide a
preliminary design concept to demonstrate how the space
could work for their new envisioned practice.
The design of the clinic uses the 5 principles of inclusive - eliminates the stigmas associated with disability,
design to create a space that provides the most comfortable and provides users with independence.
and valuable healthcare experience possible to all who visit.
- is not only usable, but comfortable to all, and
The changing of the seasons has been used as a metaphor promotes a successful recovery process.
to inform the final design decisions made for the space.
Given the great deal of change an individual experiences
after suffering a traumatic injury (such as the loss of a limb),
it is important that the design reflects a positive interpreta-
tion of change, and instills a sense of hope.

A physiatrist is seeking to open a rehabilitation centre that The design of the centre will help patients progress through
will provide services to adults who have recently suffered the stages of accepting, embracing, and making change
from traumatic injuries. This centre will embody the princi- with relative comfort and ease. In order for the centre to
ples of a modern healthcare establishment, providing pa- achieve this it must be designed in such a way that not only
tients with both clinical and supportive services. addresses the physical reality of the change, but also
encourages patients to learn to live their lives with positivity.
Suffering from a traumatic injury can have life altering
effects on an individuals ability to perform certain tasks.
Rehabilitation medicine is a branch of medicine that aims to
provide relief to individuals with physical impairments. A
modern understanding of healthcare would suggest that
incorporating a form of therapy into a patients recovery
would have a positive effect on the well-being of the patient.
Programs such as aquatic therapy offers individuals the
ability to move more freely in the water, enhancing their
treatment. A Physiotherapy gym will offer patients with a
space where active principles of healthcare can influence
the recovery process.

Initial parti-diagrams developed during

preliminary planning stages to explore
the overall layout of the clinic,
and traffic patterns of the space.

View of mezzanine from clinic waiting area.

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Main floor - 439m
seen in a variety of aspects of the clinic. Barrier free
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guidelines have been adhered to ensuring comfort and
convenience to all. In addition to this, innovative products
have been introduced to help shape a visitors experience,
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offering flexibility, choice and convenience to a variety of
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Examination Rooms
As technology becomes a more integral part of our
healthcare experience, it is important that facilities are
designed to accommodate the new patient, doctor, com-
puter relationship. This involves planning exam rooms in
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such a way that computers can be used by patients and
staff with ease, while ensuring that they do not overpower
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* the space, or affect comfort. Herman Millers Compass

Spacious room layout
allows for easy transfer
of patient.
system offers a great retractable tabletop that can be
* installed below a wall mounted monitor to offer a versatile
worktop that aids in facilitating the patient and doctors
Doctor, patient scenario. Doctor, patient and
guest scenario. Compass Folding Arm communication capabilities.
by Herman Miller

Pressalit Care: Flexible Bathroom Systems

The washrooms in the rehabilitation centre have been designed with inclusive principles in mind.
Washrooms are areas of particular concern for privacy, comfort, and independence. These 3 key
factors have been used to inform the design solutions for the washrooms.

The washrooms have intentionally been left gender neutral as a

means of introducing a modern approach to the inclusive design of
the clinic. It is important that all individuals feel welcomed and com-
fortable in all areas of the clinic.

The washrooms also offer patients a great deal of flexibility. An

innovative washroom system, the Pressalit Care system, has been
specified to offer a solution to accommodate a wide variety of body
types. The fixtures rest on tracks and are powered by hydraulic
lifts, allowing them to be adjusted with ease, regardless of mobility
capabilities (Fig. 1).

The Pressalit Care system also helps to reduce the stigma associ-
ated with disabilities. Traditionally, assistive devices have been
designed within institutional environments, and have thus devel-
oped a negative connotation. The beautiful design of the Pressalit
Fig. 1
Care system effectively removes this stigma from the equation.

Fig. 2
Dex, by Nemschoff
Materials and Furnishings
Careful attention has been paid to the selection of furniture that
accommodates a variety of body types and requirements. Chairs
that adhere to well established standards for comfort have been
selected. Important features such as sturdy arms are essential for
users with stability and mobility issues, to aid in lifting themselves
from furniture. In addition to this, a variety of seating options have
been provided including armchairs, recliners, lounge chairs, and
benches to accommodate a variety of users.
Significant Contrast
Significant contrast is essential in helping those with visual impair-
ments navigate through the space. It helps to define edges, high-
light doorways, and visually divide the floor from the walls. Signifi-
cant contrast has been incorporated into many areas of the clinic.
For instance, the change rooms have contrast between the floors
and walls, and the curtains and the walls.
2
3 4
Sources
1
Nussbaumer, L. L. (2012). Inclusive design: a universal need. New York: Fairchild
ADA Document Portal. (n.d.). ADA Document Portal. Retrieved from http://www.adaportal.org/
Wayfinding
Signage has been developed for the clinic to aid patients in
navigation throughout the space. Each of the areas in the
centre has been assigned a symbol and colour (Fig. 3). The
signs are lit from behind with LED track lighting so that they
will be easily located in any lighting scenario (Fig 2). The sig-
nage is of equal benefit to all guests. For those with reduced
vision, the bright light and colours will aid in recognizing the
various areas. While those without vision impairments will still
Fig. 3 bennefit from the signages information and simplicity.
benefit
Aqua therapy Physiotherapy, Clinic
Colour Palette
The Preliminary colour scheme for the proposed clinic has been derived from nature, and evokes a sense of change by
expressing the yearly cycle of the seasons. The colour palette for the clinic has been abstracted from the colours in the
photograph below (Fig. 4). As with most natural settings, a full spectrum can be seen including reds, oranges, greens
and blues. These have been translated into the materials found in the clinic, and introduce a natural narrative, while also
helping to divide the space.
Fig. 4 (Issac Morgan)
Images depicting the overall colour scheme of the clinic, and illustrating the significant contrast between finishes.
Change room elevations illustrating ADA compliant benches and significant contrast between finishes.
Rendering depicting the relationship between
the spaces, and the overall execution of the
1 proposed materials and colour palette.
1 Rooftop Garden
2 Exposed stairway
to roof
6 3 Physiotherapy/Gym
Reception
5 Aqua therapy
6 Clinic
5
www.hermanmiller.com
www.pressalitcare.com