An exploration of the relationship between the intentions of the hospital designer and the primary users’experience

Abstract

Healthcare facilities such as hospitals are some of the most complex types of buildings, and it is important to take into account that these facilities serve a diverse group of users who often have competing needs. Literature reviewed indicates that the focus of healthcare design has predominantly been placed on the needs of the patient, with less research on the environment of the medical staff as users, and their experiences thereof. This study explores the intentions of the hospital designer and the primary user experiences, specifically those of nurses, with regard to design criteria in healthcare design for hospital wards. The research follows a qualitative approach consisting of observational studies and interviews, informed by design approaches in the literature. An explorative approach is taken to understand what the design intentions were, how the primary users experience the design intentions and to what extent the intentions and experiences correspond. Findings indicate that the intentions of the designer do not always correspond with the primary users' experience. This suggests that, although some primary users are consulted during the design phase, their experiences may still differ to that of the intentions set out by the designer. Recommendations are made regarding the need for visual and verbal communication during the design process as well as highlighting the role of the designer as facilitator in participatory design methods with primary users.