Focus on Healthcare

Commercial construction activity has yet to show signs of a rebound in 2010, but one economic sector that continues to show some growth is healthcare. According to a release by Associated Builders and Contractors, the value of healthcare construction is expected to increase by 1.2 percent in 2010. In this issue of The Source, we will explore some of the recent trends in colors and finishes being applied to healthcare design, and how Lamin-Art's innovative Pearlescence collection helped a Washington state hospital set new precedents for patient well-being.

Trends in Healthcare Design

New research in color psychology is playing a huge role in the way designers think about interior palettes for all areas in new and remodeled healthcare environments. Patients and their families already have a high level of anxiety when visiting or entering a hospital. That added stress can in turn hamper the healing process. Research is showing that by creating warmer and more inviting patient rooms and family waiting areas, people feel more comfortable, and that level of comfort is necessary for patient well-being.

Designers are also turning to some "old favorites" when it comes to interior materials in healthcare settings. Products such as Terrazzo flooring, linoleum, and yes, high-pressure decorative laminate, are all making a comeback in hospital settings because of their durability, versatility, and contribution to healthy indoor air quality.

Pearlescence Plays Significant Role in Hospital Revitalization

When NBBJ set out to design a new medical tower for the 150 year old Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington, they embarked on some pretty ambitious research. Rather than just build another hospital wing, they wanted to design a state-of-the-art facility that employed the latest advancements in medical technology with the new insights in patient well-being. "We found that designing a hospital room was similar to designing a hotel room," says Christine Vandover, the interior designer on the project. Vandover selected a neutral palette from Lamin-Art's Pearlescence collection to achieve a sense of warmth and comfort in patient rooms, waiting areas, and surgical facilities.

By specifying Pearlescence with Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection, Vandover achieved more versatility with the product. The added durability that Oyster Shield provides allowed her to specify Pearlescence for vertical applications like hallway wainscoting, doors, and walls. Hospital staff and patients are constantly in motion, so the walls have to withstand being banged into by gurneys, wheelchairs, IV poles, carts, and other equipment. Surfaces also need to be easy to clean, especially in operating rooms. "Our [Lamin-Art] representative recommended the Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection for the Pearlescence laminates and it turned out great."

For more information on Pearlescence and Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection, visit www.pearlescence.com. To learn more about the Southwest Washington Medical Center project, click here.

Lamin-Art to Exhibit at Health Facility Expo

Look for Lamin-Art at the upcoming International Summit & Exposition on Health Facility Planning, Design & Construction March 14-17, 2010 in San Diego, California. This 3-day conference sponsored by the American Society for Healthcare Engineering, the American Institute of Architects, and the American Hospital Association will be loaded with information on the latest trends in healthcare construction, design, technology and a host of other issues. Lamin-Art will be showcasing our latest additions including the expanded color and finish selections in our Pearlescence collection, and the new generation of Veneer-Art High-Performance Wood Veneers. See us in Booth #443.

Green Tips: Healthy Living

Eco-friendly living is considered a perfect compliment to a healthy lifestyle. And living a green, healthy lifestyle can include much more than just organic vegetables in your lunchtime salad. Here are some tips for "greening" your workouts:

1.- Purchase socially and environmentally conscious workout wear including clothing made of organic or recycled materials that are good at wicking moisture, contain few, if any synthetic materials, and are manufactured by companies with sustainable business and fair labor practices.

2.- Take a cue from the British, and establish a green gym in your community. The newest fad from the UK are local programs that start with some warm-up exercises followed by conservation or gardening work led by a trained instructor. It's physical, social, and most importantly, good for the planet.

3.- Hook your stationary bike up to a generator or battery and save the energy you generate by peddling to power up household electronics like televisions and radios. Simple, easy-to-install kits will make the conversion from human power to electricity.