DESIGN BY FUNCTION (CONT) . HEALTHCARE
Colour: A practical approach towayfinding
Circulation Areas: Corridors, stairways and lift areas
enrich an area and create visual stimulation. In some scenarios, thirty chairs in the same colour can be bland; adding variation through an aesthetic colour palette is a relatively simple way to add interest. Wall features and creative use of colour can provide focal points and add another layer into the space. There is a natural preference for humans to respond favourably towards curved rounded forms, as opposed to sharp angles. It is an instinct we learn from an early age. People who are anxious may find an abundance of strong hues overwhelming. This is not to suggest all waiting rooms should be blue or green - there is the risk of monotony and under stimulation. Chalky, less saturated colours can work well (either dark or light) with small proportions of bright colours to add interest and create a distraction.
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Hospitals often use colour or a theme to zone areas. This can be achieved through colour coded floor plans or guidemaps. Colour zoning and signposting can help a journey throughout a building. Fewer, simple signs are proven to bemore effective than lots of overcomplicated signage. If there is toomuch visual noise people will not notice signs. Walls can be flooded with colour/ murals or coloured light specific to the zone area. Another approach is to use base colours; neutral tones, grey/cream/stone with blocks of a more saturated colour to highlight a specific area. Colour can be applied in bands, blocks or stripes to create a design feature as well as a way finding solution.
Navigation is key to circulation areas, it is where the Equality Act comes in to play (see Inclusive Colour, The Equality Act). Doorways, access areas and handrails should be clearly visible. Contrast between floor/wall and wall/ceiling can become a point of reference and aid way finding. Corridors can quite easily become a forgotten space, vast areas of monotony. Artwork can break up large expanses and add a focal point passers-by can focus on. Reception Areas The reception is usually the first point of contact for visitors. A feature colour can highlight the reception desk area andmake it clearly noticeable. Waiting Areas People spend a lot of time waiting in hospitals. The waiting roomcan be designed in a way that adds sensory interest and delay boredom. Layering textures, colours and shapes can
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C6660X Hurst Green
Nature canmake a space feel less intimidating.
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Tonal colour can help define a space. Yellow stripes are highly visible and warn us away from the bumper rails.
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(Right and far right) Variable lighting offers flexibility for patient’s andmedic’s requirements.
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