DESIGN
a four day
where two
thought leaders
on the subject
based design
Johannesburg,
and Cape Town.
in the future.
Richard Mazuch, a
leading UK based
architect with
specific interest in
design research and
innovation, presented
fascinating outcomes
of research he has
been involved with,
which influences the
design of healthcare
facilities to ensure
the environment is
optimal for patient
well-being and
healing. He shared
his learnings on the
psychological and
physiological effects
of colour, light, views,
smell, noise and the
importance of using
the facts in the future
design of healthcare
facilities.
Feedback was very
encouraging as the
audiences found
the speakers highly
informed and their
presentations
very valuable on
the subject of key
evidence based
design issues. AD
i
Feature:
Healthcare Summit
“NOISE PREVENTION IN
THE OPERATING ROOM AND
RECOVERY ROOM NEEDS
MORE ATTENTION AND
SHOULD BE A ROUTINE PART
OF PATIENT CARE.” Liu, E., H.,
“Light and noise
are the two
major stressors
in the Neonatal
Environment”
C., and S-M., Tan, Patients’ perception
of sound levels in the surgical suite,
Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, Vol. 12,
2000, 298-302
Studies conducted by sleep
researcher and medical doctor
Soren Berg of the University of
Lund (Sweden) confirm that
patients’ sleep quality is improved
when Ecophon sound-absorbing
ceilings are used in the wards.
Healthcare at the Crossroads - 2002
SOUND REDUCING ELEMENTS
– sound absorbing ceilings (Ecophone) – sound absorbing
walls (insulated) – sound absorbing floors (cushioned) – sound
absorbing furniture (homelike)
Unpleasant sounds cause:
• Increases cholesterol in the
blood
• Lowers pain threshold
• Increases need for medication
• Keeps brain over-stimulated
• Prevents rest or sleep
• Lowers immune system
• Medical mis-medication &
errors
Richard Mazuch
africandesignmagazine.com
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