The New Albany Outpatient Care Center was recently built, and we had the task of designing a specific unit and floor of our choosing. I chose the Neurology Department, and focused on a calming, peaceful environment for patients to experience the doctors office in a different way than normal. This included choosing colors, materials, and creating way-finding to enhance the overall user experience, going against the stereotypical hospital.
This is the welcome area of the Neurology Unit. I custom built a desk that is accessible for users in wheelchairs, along with standing room. The addition of iPads speeds up the check-in process for those who choose to use them. Knowing this is a space where patients may want their information kept private, I created a custom Block O acoustic lighting fixture suspended from the ceiling.
This is one of the waiting areas for patients before they get called back into their appointment. This space is meant to be the more private, and calming area for patients who may be nervous, or want to wait alone. The use of the green wall incorporating biophilic design enhances the feeling of peace, and the Neurology sign is another use of signage to ensure patients they are in the right area. Again, acoustic lighting has been installed to keep noise to a minimum.
This is the main waiting area, just to the right of the private waiting area. This space is more open to public, but is still semi-private. I executed this by creating custom opaque glass panels that allow for patients to view through them, but still feel like they have the addition of privacy. The open floor plan allows for patients in wheelchairs to be seated wherever they please, and make it easier for the patients to hear when their name is called.