The healthcare industry is one of the most important in the world. It is vital for treating illnesses and injuries, making it crucial for our wellbeing. Great architecture is important here to ensure services are as good as they can be. We want to look at this today, then if you need help from an architect in London, you can speak to us.
Catering for the requirements
One of the most important things architects need to do is ensure they focus on the brief and provision of specialist services. The latter can play a big role in the shape and layout of a property. That is the case whether it is a major hospital with surgical facilities or a local clinic.
The most crucial thing here is to look at the equipment requirements. For example, if the facility needs X-Ray or MRI scanners, you need to account for them. X-rays result in radiation, so the design needs to maximise safety. MRI equipment uses powerful magnets, meaning the design must be careful using metals.
Adding to existing buildings
A major challenge with architecture and healthcare is how to effectively add to current properties. It can be tricky because of the current layout. However, creative designs can find a solution. You should choose a leading architect in London for a project.
Let’s say you are updating a hospital to add new surgical facilities. However, the current layout has the operating theatres and wards on the third floor. It would be more effective to build new ones so they are close to the existing ones. This would mean they can share facilities. So, the best solution may be to add a new block or use columns so you can add to the third floor.
Stakeholders
Another important thing to think about is the different stakeholders. Healthcare will always be better if the buildings allow people to do their job safely and effectively. Plus, each facility should focus on patient care. The right layout and design can achieve both of these.
Suppliers
It can be really useful for architects to work directly with the key suppliers. This can include everyone from equipment makers to pharmaceutical companies. The goal should be to gain as much knowledge from them about what the facility needs. This can include fittings and fixtures, equipment, and more. The architects can then incorporate all of it into the design.
Do you need help from a passionate architect in London?
The pandemic really put the healthcare industry into the spotlight on the global stage. It was incredible to see the evolution and resilience as we tackled covid. Architecture had a crucial role to play in creating suitable emergency facilities for treatment, testing, vaccination, and more.
Today, while the pressure from covid is gone, issues still remain. For example, many areas have growing populations and access to healthcare is tricky. In addition, many facilities are old now and in desperate need of upgrades. Architects have a crucial role to play in adapting and updating the properties.
If you need help and want to work with a top architect in London, you should contact us. Coffey Architects has a great reputation and designs with everyone in mind to get the best results.