WHOs Latest Design Guidelines for Future Hospitals | SR News Update

WHOs Latest Design Guidelines for Future Hospitals | SR News Update

Following a research partnership with Milan's Politecnico di Milano, the World Health Organization recently released recommendations for the construction of new hospitals in the European Region. This report was produced by the Design & Health Lab of the Department of Architecture, Construction Engineering, and the Built Environment in Baku (Azerbaijan) under the leadership of Professor Stefano Capolongo. Read SURFACES REPORTER (SR)’s full report below:

The pandemic has highlighted the need for systems to respond to crises, and given us insight into the necessary architecture for health that can adapt to social, economic or environmental changes.

Safe, Comfortable and Sustainable Design

For hospitals to operate at full capacity regardless of unforeseen circumstances or casualties, it's essential that their design is both safe and comfortable, as well as sturdy and flexible enough to withstand restrictions and disasters. COVID-19 has brought attention to the environment in healthcare settings with regard to virus transmission, thereby underlining the necessity of strict hygiene measures.

The guidelines are intended for health institutions, organizations and their governing bodies - from general managers to architects and technicians. They provide recommendations for addressing future challenges in terms of hospital location and how this affects different functions, whether it is based in a city centre or in an outer area that can potentially serve a wider area. Additionally, the emphasis is placed on the significance of green areas for the improvement of patient's health as well as medical staff's well-being.

Future Hospitals: What Will They Look Like?

On asking, "What will the hospital of the future look like?" Professor Stefano Capolongo, director of the Department of Architecture, Construction Engineering and the Built Environment at the Politecnico di Milano stated that "We are already in the future: technology, design and organizational solutions have reached very advanced levels."

According to him, the challenge is now to combine different principles intended for sustainable, inclusive development with a One Health point of view. His team has created a technical brief for the World Health Organisation which contains strategies for the deployment of advanced, resilient and evidence-based hospitals in Europe.

WHO's Guidelines For Future Hospital 

The hospital of the future must be open in order to foster collaborations with the local healthcare network and improve services as well as resilience within the system, for seamless patient access. Air quality control and hygiene management are key when it comes to infection prevention, thus having an important role in the design and building process.

The facility should also have an overarching sustainable strategy that covers its entire life cycle, including energy-efficient resources management; flexibility for potential extensions and adaptations; and measures for general safety, fire protection and seismic resistance. Training on preparedness for emergencies is also essential.

The spaces need to be designed so as to be accessible to all segments of the population, including in terms of aesthetics, inside and outside the hospital. A significant contribution of digitization to management occurs at the hospital level, facilitating the organization of work and services within the local area as well as managing goods and services in hospitals.

Source: Politecnico di Milano

Keep reading SURFACES REPORTER for more such news stories.

You may also like to read about:

Godrej Interio and KMRCL Collaborate to Enhance the Aesthetics of Howrah, Kolkata Metro Stations | SR News Update

This 3-Story Delhi Home Creates a Harmonious Blend of Materials- Timber, Stone, and Stilts | Saket | team 3

Govt New Precast Concrete Policy For National Highways To Improve Indias Road Network | SR News Update

and more...

×
×

Post Your Comment


"Content that powers your Business. News that keeps you informed."

Surfaces Reporter is one of India's leading media in Print & Digital Telecast for News on Interiors & Architecture Projects, Products, Building Materials, and the Business of Design! Since 2011, it serves as a referral for designers & architects to know about inspiring projects and source new products. If you have a Product or Project worth publishing in Surfaces Reporter, please email us hello@surfacesreporter.com or you can also submit your project online.

Like Surfaces Reporter on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram | Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

Trade Promotion Council of India signs MoU with FederlegnoArredo, Italy | Salone del Mobile, Milano

Today at Salone del Mobile, Milano, the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FederlegnoArredo (FLA), Italy, signifying a noteworthy advancement in mutual collaboration to nurture furniture and associated clusters in India.

Read more

Gaggenau’s Elevation of Gravity offers a Transformed Luxury Experience | Milan Design Week

Installed in the glass conservatory of the 1930s villa, The Elevation of Gravity is a minimalist-designed installation that marks the brand’s second utilization of the space following its event in 2022.

Read more

Salone del Mobile.Milano: Empowering An Open Ecosystem For Design

Read more

Heirloom Unveils First Commercial DAC Plant, Pioneering Permanent Carbon Storage Technology

The DAC plant employs electric kilns from decarbonization technology company Leilac to draw CO2 from the air, subsequently storing it underground or embedding it in concrete.

Read more


This is alt