Well Built Places Consultancy & Education

Introduction

Designing paediatric healthcare facilities requires a specialized approach to create environments that are welcoming, calming, and supportive of children’s well-being. The strategic use of colour plays a crucial role in this process. Colours can influence mood, behaviour, and stress levels, making them a key consideration in designing spaces for young patients.

At Well Built Places we explore the best practices for using colour in paediatric healthcare facilities, supported by current research and evidence-based design principles.

The Impact of Colour on Children’s Health

Colour affects both psychological and physiological responses. In paediatric healthcare settings, the right colour choices can help reduce anxiety, foster a sense of safety, and promote healing. Different colours evoke various emotions and behaviours, so selecting the appropriate hues for each area is vital.

Best Practices for Using Colour in Paediatric Healthcare Facilities

1. Calming Colours

Soft, calming colours like pastel blues, greens, and pinks are ideal for paediatric healthcare settings. These hues help reduce stress and create a soothing environment for young patients. For instance, blue and green tones are particularly effective in fostering relaxation and calmness (Küller et al., 2009).

2. Avoiding Overstimulation

Bright and vibrant colours can be engaging but may lead to overstimulation if overused. To avoid increasing anxiety and agitation, use bright colours sparingly as accents. This approach adds interest and energy without overwhelming the senses (Dalke et al., 2004).

3. Age-Appropriate Colour Schemes

Choose colours based on the age group of the patients. For younger children, playful and warm colours like soft yellows and light oranges can create a cheerful atmosphere. Older children and adolescents may benefit from more subdued colours to prevent a space from feeling too childish (Gaines & Curry, 2011).

4. Consistent Colour Palettes

A consistent colour scheme contributes to a coherent and harmonious environment. This helps reduce visual clutter and makes the facility easier for children to navigate. A stable colour palette also fosters a sense of security, which is essential for children undergoing medical treatment (Higgins et al., 2005).

5. Colour Zoning

Utilize colour to define different zones within the facility, such as waiting areas, treatment rooms, and play areas. This practice aids in wayfinding and reduces confusion, making the facility more user-friendly for families and children (Joseph, 2006).

6. Nature-Inspired Colours

Incorporating nature-inspired colours, such as greens, browns, and blues, can create a calming environment that connects children with the natural world. These colours have been shown to promote a sense of well-being and enhance the healing process (Ulrich, 2008).

Implementing Colour in Healthcare Facility Design

1. Integration with Lighting

Colour perception is greatly influenced by lighting. Natural light is preferred for enhancing the true appearance of colours in healthcare settings. Ensure that artificial lighting complements the colour schemes to avoid harsh contrasts or glare (Veitch & Newsham, 2000).

2. Stakeholder Input

Involve children, their families, and healthcare staff in the design process to gather insights into colour preferences and needs. This participatory approach helps tailor the design to the specific population, leading to more effective and satisfactory outcomes (Parker et al., 2004).

3. Flexibility and Adaptability

Design healthcare facilities with flexibility in mind to adapt to changing patient needs and medical advancements. This includes the ability to update colour schemes and décor to keep the environment engaging and current (Ulrich et al., 2008).

Conclusion

The thoughtful application of colour in paediatric healthcare facilities can significantly improve the well-being of young patients. By using calming and age-appropriate colours, avoiding overstimulation, maintaining consistent palettes, implementing colour zoning, and drawing inspiration from nature, designers can create spaces that support healing and reduce anxiety. Combining these best practices with a holistic design approach can enhance the overall experience for children and their families in healthcare settings.

References

• Dalke, H., Littlefair, P., & Loe, D. (2004). Lighting and Colour for Hospital Design. London: The Stationery Office.
• Gaines, K., & Curry, Z. D. (2011). The Impact of School Building Condition on Student Achievement and Behavior. Journal of Educational Administration, 49(4), 356-378.
• Higgins, S., Hall, E., Wall, K., Woolner, P., & McCaughey, C. (2005). The Impact of School Environments: A Literature Review. The Centre for Learning and Teaching, School of Education, Communication and Language Science, University of Newcastle.
• Joseph, A. (2006). The Impact of the Environment on Infections in Healthcare Facilities. The Center for Health Design.
• Küller, R., Mikellides, B., & Janssens, J. (2009). Colour, Arousal, and Performance: A Comparison of Three Experiments. Color Research & Application, 34(2), 141-152.
• Parker, C., Barnes, S., McKee, K., Morgan, K., Torrington, J., & Tregenza, P. (2004). Quality of Life and Building Design in Residential and Nursing Homes for Older People. Ageing & Society, 24(6), 941-962.
• Ulrich, R. S., Zimring, C., Zhu, X., DuBose, J., Seo, H. B., Choi, Y. S., Quan, X., & Joseph, A. (2008). A Review of the Research Literature on Evidence-Based Healthcare Design. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 1(3), 61-125.
• Veitch, J. A., & Newsham, G. R. (2000). Exercised Control, Lighting Choices, and Energy Use: An Office Simulation Experiment. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 20(3), 219-237.