Evidence-Based Design Decisions To Promote Social Interaction For Adolescents In Healthcare Environments

Adolescents do not fit into the normal hospital structure. They are too mature for the childish aesthetic and activities of the pediatric wing, yet they cannot follow the rules and regulations of the adult areas. This design focuses on creating social spaces within the hospital to foster interaction and community amongst the patients. The result is a new hospital wing and patient room prototype. This new design promotes social interaction and responds to adolescent aesthetic preferences, so that those confined to their rooms still benefit from the social and visual stimulation needed for this age group. Named Shift, the design prototype incorporates daylighting, designated lounge spaces, alternative therapies, and various modes of entertainment to address issues related to peer interaction, independence, privacy, and boredom. This optimizes the experience for adolescents, allowing them to maintain their existing peer relationships and engage in age-appropriate pursuits during hospitalization. Using Evidence-Based Design principles, this proposal for a new ward prototype specifically catered to ages 12 to 18 provides designers further understanding of this population, their unique needs, and potential solutions to meet the latter.