Hospitals and healthcare facilities are responsible for the health and wellbeing of the many patients that they see day in and day out. In these large spaces, filled with large waiting rooms and long hallways, it’s critical to optimize comfort to create a calm, stress-free environment.
One critical component of a more comfortable healthcare facility lies in the reduction of noise through acoustic installations. Causes of noise in a hospital can range from beeping machines to reception desk conversations to typing.
Keeping noise levels in hospitals to less than 45 decibels and no higher than 70 decibels is ideal for patient comfort. Unfortunately, when prioritizing patient health and core healthcare functions, many healthcare facilities fail to keep their noise levels within these limitations, some reaching levels of up to 100 decibels in intensive care units.
Noise reduction in hospitals isn’t the only factor that contributes to a comfortable healthcare setting. Beautiful architecture with unique lines and shapes can improve patient attitudes and increase the overall healthcare experience. Patients who feel comfortable in your building are more likely to return when they are in need.
“Reception Area” Featuring: SoftSpan™ 48 by Arktura
One place to start when creating an inviting and calming environment is through the use of commercial-grade ceiling tiles and baffles. These installations enhance the hospital’s healing effect and have the potential to also reduce noise.
The following creative ceiling installations for healthcare facilities perfectly illustrate how a healthcare facility can maintain beautiful aesthetics while improving comfort and noise control.
“YPMD Pediatric Neurology Clinic” Ladera Ranch, California, Synthesis DNA, Featuring: Arktura Solution Studio® custom grooved geometric Soft Sound®
In this pediatric neurology clinic, an integrated custom Soft Sound® wall-cladding system creates much-needed noise control. The grooved panels control noise while their soft texture and soothing color create an aesthetically pleasing space.
“YPMD Pediatric Neurology Clinic” Ladera Ranch, California, Synthesis DNA, Featuring: Arktura Solution Studio® custom grooved geometric Soft Sound®
Thoughtfully positioned, these panels separate sitting areas and reduce the sounds of children playing and parents talking as they wait for their appointments. As a result, what could be an uncomfortable and stressful environment is transformed into a pleasant waiting area that encourages play and healing.
“One Medical Lobby” Chicago, Illinois, Callison RTKL – SEA, ©Wade Trenbeath Productions (Photographer), Featuring: SoundStar® by Arktura
In a large, open lobby, sound can quickly overwhelm the space. Entering a medical facility can be a stressful experience for patients, and excessive noise can make it even more unpleasant. By incorporating noise reduction strategies, hospitals can help lessen stress on incoming patients as well as staff.
In One Medical Lobby, suspended ceiling clouds created with SoundStar® add geometric texture to the ceiling while disrupting sound’s ability to travel through the area. The angled surfaces are made from Arktura’s Soft Sound® acoustical material, allowing it to stylishly achieve noise reduction.
“One Medical Lobby” Chicago, Illinois, Callison RTKL – SEA, ©Wade Trenbeath Productions (Photographer), Featuring: SoundStar® by Arktura
Custom Delta Drop® wall panels are another strategy to reduce noise. The long, narrow panels create a pleasing architectural dimension, and with Arktura’s Soft Sound® backer, they provide additional noise reduction. Choosing natural tones further aids in creating a soothing and comfortable space.
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Product Key Features – SoundStar®
“GE Health” Chicago, IL, IA Interior Architects – CH, Tricia Shay – Shay Puetzer LLC Photography (Photographer), Featuring: Arktura Solutions Studio®
GE Health got creative when they were upgrading their ceiling. Using a Custom Solutions Studio design and integrated lighting, they created a soothing space with clean lines and comfortable, indirect lighting.
To further customize their space, they added geometric tiles and integrated lighting to this ceiling. This design takes the idea of a standard drop ceiling and creates something new and exciting. The position of the tiles and lighting on the ceiling mirror the wood floor to define the sitting area.
“Penn Presbyterian Medical Center” Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ewing Cole – PA, Halkin Mason Photography (Photographer), Featuring: Atmosphera Analog 3D by Arktura
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center’s concourse is the epitome of a calm and soothing environment. Arktura’s Atmospshera® Analog 3D is perfect for this large space that needed a bold ceiling to bring the space together. Using bright white, powder-coated steel fins, the space appears open and bright as light is dispersed and reflected.
“Penn Presbyterian Medical Center” Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ewing Cole – PA, Halkin Mason Photography (Photographer), Featuring: Atmosphera Analog 3D by Arktura
The soft undulating waves of the fins embody peace and tranquility. Staff, patients and visitors alike benefit from the peaceful aesthetic that greets them as they enter the healthcare facility. The earth tones in the rest of the design serve to ground the space and increase its connection to the natural world.
“Blue Cross” Kansas City, Missouri, Organic Dimension, Featuring: Atmosphera® Custom Contour 3D by Arktura
The ceiling is often overlooked as a design component, but not in this Blue Cross healthcare space. Using Atmosphera® Custom Contour 3D, the ceiling becomes an integral design feature that defines the space.
“Blue Cross” Kansas City, Missouri, Organic Dimension, Featuring: Atmosphera® Custom Contour 3D by Arktura
Installed in areas geared towards fitness, nutrition and education, these hospital-grade ceiling baffles add dimension and movement that creates an exciting and vibrant atmosphere where people can feel their best. With integrated lighting installed above these baffles, they double as an attractive art installation, creating unique shadows and lines within the building.
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Product Key Features – Atmosphera® Custom Contour 3D
Whether you’re looking for hospital noise control or an added design element, wall & ceiling installations by Arktura can be completely customized to your healthcare purpose and project.
Contact Arktura today to find out how our products can reduce noise and improve comfort in your healthcare setting.
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