Lighting Design in Healthcare Facilities

Lighting Design in Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare facilities are designed to promote patient comfort and improve physician function. Lighting plays an essential role in the atmosphere, safety, and usability of any building, and is also one of the largest costs associated with architectural planning and building design. Today, architects must consider lighting design carefully when integrating this feature into the larger functionality of the building as a whole.

Patient Comfort

Particularly in private rooms and common areas, healthcare facility lighting design should focus on patient and visitor comfort. Today, adjustable task lighting has become a priority in personal rooms, allowing patients or visitors to read or perform tasks without disturbing others. In waiting areas, cafeterias, and atriums, the focus has turned to softer, more diffuse sources of ambient lighting with natural hues to promote a more relaxing and healthy atmosphere.

Physician Function

Lighting design also plays a vital part in the ability of physicians and other healthcare staff to perform their duties. Many modern lighting designs take into account the increase in computers and other technology in hospital and healthcare settings, and aim to provide adequate light without creating glare or straining the eyes. Dimmable lighting options allow hospitals to reduce costs and energy waste by taking advantage of natural daylight when possible, then augmenting or replacing natural light using comfortable artificial light sources as it becomes necessary.

Building Efficiency

Building efficiency helps to reduce costs and waste for a more sustainable business and a healthier environment. LED lighting technology is quickly gaining ground in the healthcare field due to its versatility and efficiency. Adding multiple layers to a building’s lighting design improves efficiency by combining light sources for the most effective lighting solution at all times.

Sears Gerbo Architecture has extensive experience with building design and planning in Tucson. Our work includes buildings meant for education, manufacturing, corporate use, and biotechnology; we will work with you to assess your needs and develop a facility that is efficient, appealing, and functional.  You can find out more about our work, our client experience, and our architects when you visit us online, or by calling (520) 722-5079.