How Tile Contributes to Better Wellness in Healthcare
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key areas in healthcare environments where tile can contribute to better wellness.
- Describe inherent benefits of tile and how they can help create ideal healthcare environments.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how sustainability and biophilic design pertain to tile specification and promoting better wellness.
- Recognize the importance of technical specifications and testing as it pertains to tile and material selection.
Credits:
This course is approved as a Structured Course
This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines
Approved for structured learning
Approved for Core Learning
This course can be self-reported to the NLAA
Course may qualify for Learning Hours with NWTAA
Course eligible for OAA Learning Hours
This course is approved as a core course
This course can be self-reported for Learning Units to the Architectural Institute of British Columbia
Historically, healthcare is a stable construction market with steady growth in the face of economic fluctuations. In the healthcare market, shifting demographics, deferred maintenance, aging buildings, new technologies and major changes in the delivery of healthcare services all drive the continued need for facility renovation and construction projects. There have been a few pauses over the years, but the market for healthcare design and construction services has been reliably strong, and it shows no signs of slowing.
With that in mind, healthcare professionals have long advocated for design features thought to benefit health and well-being, such as natural light, material specification, ventilation, space between patients, etc. and healthcare facilities represent one of the most innovative sectors in the flooring market. While there are certain set parameters in place for safety, the segment also offers broad opportunities for thoughtful design.
Today, we will further explore the title topic, How Tile Contributes to Better Wellness in Healthcare, knowing that construction and facility renovation remains top of mind. And the desire for design solutions which offer benefits of wellness has never been more important. The pandemic experience had a clear influence on making healthcare environments easier to clean and maintain, most strikingly regarding materials specification.
Photo courtesy of Peter Molick