11 Reasons All Hospitals Should be Themed

January 15, 2014 by Taylor Studios in Design & Planning

We’re so grateful for the work healthcare workers are doing right now. It’s been a stressful time for hospitals and their staff.

Last summer I had the pleasure of touring the newly renovated . Wow! This is not the hospital of yesterday with stark architecture, sterile white walls and no emphasis on how the built environment affects emotions. During our tour you couldn’t help but be touched when watching patients interact with the built environment. A group of us were wandering through the floors oohing and ahhing over the variety of visually impactful elements spread throughout the hospital including the next to it. Our group was very careful to be respectful of all patients. We did not want to add to their stress. We all quietly stood back as a mother and young daughter sat down next to the dogs. It felt like both of them needed a reprieve. They needed something to take their minds off being in a hospital. You could see this need in the mother’s body language. She seemed weary. Yet, for a moment, they played near the dogs. They smiled. They hugged the dogs. They forgot their worries and embraced a different world.

More and more hospitals are realizing the benefits of visual elements of surprise. There is a trend to theme scanning rooms, waiting areas, transitional spaces and nature gardens. is designed to be more like a resort. They believe this is the new standard for what healthcare and a visit to the hospital should be. The recently added a pirate-themed CT scanner. This reduces anxiety in patients. They can feel like they are having an adventure on the high seas. was designed with the theme of healing with nature. This was accomplished with murals, interactives, colors and finishes.

11 Reasons Why Theming in Hospitals is Valuable

Other hospitals with theming:

Have you visited any themed hospitals? How did the theming affect your experience?