< PreviousSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2021 40 CASE STUDY: FERTILITY CLINIC IN WROCŁAW, POLAND, BY FAAB laparoscopic procedures and diagnose diseases using technically advanced methods such as ultra miniature cameras and optics. An analytical laboratory and IVF laboratory are connected with the hospital, treating infertility in patients using a variety of the latest methods of reproductive medicine. Design motif Fluid shapes, referencing the body during pregnancy, are present on the fl oor, walls and ceiling of the waiting room and corridors. In some places they remain as 2D, independent elements. In others, they connect the fl oor to the wall and ceiling, generating the illusion of movement. They become a 3D form at the main entrance. Since the opening of this fertility clinic, 83 new residents have been added to the population of Wrocław, Poland. They're the children of 69 couples who successfully received fertility treatment at a specialist centre with interiors designed by FAAB Architektura. Curved geometry, characteristic of the female body during the prenatal stage, determined the character of the Warsaw- based studio's interior design. The technologically complex function of the 829 sq m building, which includes a day hospital with operating theatre, in-vitro facilities and a complex of laboratories, enables the diagnosis and treatment of fertility issues. Function Three interrelated zones make up the medicalised elements of the clinic. In a specialist area, within treatment rooms and interview rooms, the patient is provided with a medical consultation in the fi eld of gynaecology, genetics, treatment of partner's infertility, oncology, prenatal diagnostics and psychology. The clinic is adjoined to a one-day hospital with an operating theatre. In the hospital, it is possible to perform minimally invasive xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxSoft shapes on the clinic's ceiling Im ag es : M ac ie j Je zy k © FA A B Special Report 41 June 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com ARCHITEKTURA Interview rooms allow for private discussion The clinic's seats are fl uid shapes This form is inspired by the tension of the skin on a woman's abdomen during pregnancy; the tensions caused by fetal movement, such as elbows and knees pressing against the womb. Textures, colours and light refl ection play an important role in the interior design. Translucent surfaces are juxtaposed with opaque surfaces. Matte surfaces contrast with the light- refl ecting surfaces of the individually designed graphics. The choice of colour for the graphics was carefully analysed. Ultimately, the colour gold was chosen to represent a precious moment in a woman's life – pregnancy. Further... During the implementation of the project, FAAB Architektura also delivered an element that's new to the studio. Finding it impossible to fi nd a contractor to transfer the 1:1 templates of individually designed graphics to the walls and ceilings, the team took it in-house. After spending several days testing various application methods, they developed a solution that could complete the task in two days. The clinic itself also saw growth and rebirth. Initially opened in 2018, the facility developed its function to play a role during the COVID-19 pandemic. A vaccination point was organised there and used by many residents of Wrocław – perhaps including former patients. The reception area is open and welcoming Suppliers at a glance Floors GERFLOR & CERAMICHE REFIN Ceiling in waiting area BARRISOL Walls TIKURRILA, CE.SI & TARKETT Furnishing VESCOM & IKERSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2021 42 Q&A Running a hotel in today’s increasingly ecocentric and hygiene-conscious world, is likely to have involved revamping of the customer experience to meet new expectations and behaviours. International design fi rm Gensler asked 'How Will COVID-19 Shape Hospitality Architecture and Design?' in a report published late 2020. Its finding confi rms that COVID-19 has accelerated the need for a morphological change with multi-faceted elements, including a new aesthetic of cleanliness – hard fl ooring, simple bedding and anti-bacterial materials. While conversation began in healthcare, as the pandemic took hold it has now exerted infl uence across a wider sector as the 'new normal' is established. Intertwined with this dialogue is the creation of concepts such as 'green hotels,' achieved through environmentally sustainable practices introduced into the project by the interior designer. Dubai-based designer Mahsa Gholizadeh believes design can act as a disruptor for hospitality in 2021 by creating these eco-friendly spaces, but there has to be OS&E at least, it doesn’t have to be that complicated, according to Ram Mohan, chief strategy offi cer for Rent-A-Towel, and Arpit Srivastava, marketing and branding manager for Lenzing. Rent-A-Towel is a Dubai-based linen rental services provider behind Dr. Linen – a fi rst-of-its-kind product-service in the segment, developed by Rent-A-Towel and TENCEL, part of the Austria-based Lenzing Group. How has the pandemic impacted customer behaviour and what impact does this have for hospitality? Ram Mohan: The pandemic impact on the hospitality industry has been drastic and enduring, for obvious reasons: Lodging services involve common touchpoints, amenities, and reusable toiletries, which can aid virus transmission. During this prolonged downtime, the industry has Caption Here Healthcare design & the post-COVID customer experience in hospitality With the founders of linen service Rent-A-Towel, the provider behind Dr Linen Ram Mohan a compromise between design and risk factors associated. For some projects, adopting these drivers calls for a quantum leap into new products and designs, which can mean added expenditures and efforts that can no longer be value engineered out. But for Special Report 43 June 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Caption Here woken up to new realities, in terms of aesthetics, design, comfort, and hygiene. Meanwhile, customer awareness around sustainability has evolved. Arpit Srivastava: As the regional service economy reopens for business, customers will walk in with renewed curiosity and enthusiasm, expecting changes and a sense of novelty, so designers need to strike a chord with them instantly. But the prolonged downtime has also reduced operating budgets, which calls for a balancing act. That’s where the Dr. Linen range comes in. Please elaborate on how Dr. Linen reconciles with a growing number of expectations in the post-COVID CX? What's your cost-benefi t analysis? Ram Mohan: Dr. Linen is a one-stop-shop linen management model, with a premium product range and end-to-end service that includes pick-up, wash, and delivery. Dr. Linen uses eco-friendly agents, during production and subsequent washing. And all Dr. Linen products are equipped with RFID tags, for hotel-specifi c tracking and identifi cation. But the most crucial advantage is that Dr. Linen products are made from TENCEL branded wood-based lyocell fi bers, which, unlike typical cotton, boast superior functionality, softness, intrinsic moisture management, and thermal-regulating mechanism. This product-service model ensures that hotels can save on new linen investments. Arpit Srivastava: TENCEL Lyocell fi bres are twice as soft as cotton, with unique natural texture and aesthetics. Moisture evaporates quicker from these fi bers, than in conventional cotton, inhibiting bacterial growth and the viral life cycle. They also have botanic origins, in forests that are sustainably developed and maintained, with judicious water use and without chemical fertilisers. And the fi bre composition reduces water use per linen article by 30 percent, compared to conventional cotton. This is ideal for use in the Middle East, where sustainability is tied to water conservation. Which projects are commissioning Dr. Linen? Ram Mohan: As the Expo draws near, Dr. Linen is generating interest from leading hospitality players who command a reputation for superior CX. Since Dr. Linen offers life-cycle involvement with the product and sets unparalleled standards in sustainability, it is being viewed as a product/service differentiation. We are now exploring new regional markets and expanding our product/service portfolio, thanks to enthusiastic response and encouragement from our existing clientele. This industry-fi rst offering was possible in the Middle East because of our partnership with TENCEL, a global leader in lyocell fi bres and textile innovator. Clean and green bedding Arpit SrivastavaSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2021 44 Q&A The World Health Organisation estimates that 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, with 1.6 million deaths directly attributed to the condition each year. The organisation also estimates that diabetes is set to grow across the GCC region to more than 42 million people by 2030. At present, there are over 1.2 million people living with diabetes in the UAE alone. Addressing this issue is Dubai's GluCare Integrated Diabetes Center, which opened late 2020. With a world-fi rst model of care that uses wearable and connected technology to monitor patients, the design of the light and airy Al Wasl Road clinic also plays a vital role in transforming diabetes care. What's the patient feedback on the aesthetic elements of GluCare? Patients love the open and clean aesthetic of the clinic. Feedback from our patients range from: 'I've never stepped into such a well-designed clinic', to 'I would actually come to hang out over a coffee here'. They also appreciate the thought given to protecting their privacy where necessary. This is through intelligent furniture selection, such as our chairs at reception and other technology and design elements, including their patient number displayed on the wayfaring screens around vision to transform diabetes care, and the lives our patients. How has the above affected 'no show' rates and clinical outcomes? Through technology, and the care we provide, both in-clinic and through our remote 24/7 monitoring, we have delivered clinical outcomes that are currently world- leading. While it's hard to determine what direct impact the design and aesthetic of the clinic has had on our patient compliance and outcomes, we know from their feedback that they feel welcomed and comfortable when visiting us for their appointments, which is crucial to better patient outcomes. Looking at the wider context, diabetes is an extremely stressful condition that affects both patients and their families. For all patients, and particularly those who are newly diagnosed patients and those Caption Here GluCare – designed to feel better Ali Hashemi, co-Founder and chairman of GluCare Integrated Diabetes Center Ali Hashemi the clinic, rather than their name. Overall, we wanted a seamless, friendly, and warm setting; one that puts our patients at ease and makes them feel welcome at every visit. While technology and people remain at the heart of everything we do, the design of our centre helps us deliver on our Special Report 45 June 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Caption Here who are suffering from complications due to earlier care, its vital that their fi rst experience at GluCare is a positive experience at every touchpoint so that they’re looking forward to seeing us again. What are the responses of medical professionals experiencing the design? As our clinic offers a world-fi rst model of care, it is designed in a manner that was new to many of our physicians. At GluCare, our clinical team is not separated from our patients by a desk or hidden behind computers, instead, our consultation rooms are more like lounges. The data we gather from through our patient wearable technology is not only for the benefi t of our physicians, but also our patients. It's viewed on large screen TVs, so that both patient and clinician can discuss. This deconstruction of the formality of the physical interaction between doctor and patient actually enhances the trust-based relationship between them, which is vital for a chronic condition that requires open and honest discussions, like diabetes. Our physicians spend more time interacting human-to-human, without their desk, keyboard, and computer as physical barriers. They have adjusted well to this more informal nature of the consultation room design and, thanks to the design of the overall clinic, our patients enter into discussions with physicians feeling relaxed and comfortable. Founders Dr Ihsan Almarzooqi and Ali Hashemi (pictured above) wanted 'unique' to be represented in the design of GluCare, which opened its 10,000 sq ft Dubai clinic in September 2020. Their initial design thesis was to create a facility that physically mirrored our innovative approach to diabetes care – an ideology of focusing on health care, rather than 'sick care'. They say: "As a homegrown UAE healthcare concept with global ambitions, it was important for us to design a facility that mirrored our approach, that met the specifi c needs of our patients, and also paid tribute to the UAE's innovative leadership, both past and present." DESIGN BRIEF Is it working? Preliminary reports show GluCare patient outcomes, on average, overwhelmingly exceed those of both traditional and tech-enabled healthcare providers and top best-in-class programmes around the world. Among the overall results of the GluCare patient group is an average HbA1c reduction of 1.7 percent over 90 days. For diabetes patients, HbA1c is a key measure of how well controlled one’s blood sugar has been on average over a three-month period. Studies have shown that a reduction of just one percent point in HbA1c results in a 21 percent decrease in end-point diseases related to diabetes, a 21 percent reduction in diabetes-related deaths, a 14 percent decrease in heart attacks, and a 37 percent reduction in microvascular complications. Other GluCare outcomes listed in the report include a 4.7 percent average reduction in total body weight, a 25 percent average reduction in LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and an average blood glucose time in range of 79 percent, well above the 70 percent recommended by the American Diabetes Association. Special Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2021 46 Flexible and adaptable spaces in design Flexible spaces will be essential for every facilities' refl ect our strategic ambitions for the country's planning strategy – from where a tent can be erected to where a mobile unit can be delivered. However, after the crisis stage is over, their storage When the pandemic of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) hit in early 2020 with a seismic wave of infected cases globally, our region was not spared. In the United Arab Emirates, the fi rst cases of positive coronavirus were discovered in early 2020 and, at the time of writing, over 557,000 cases and more than 1,600 deaths have been recorded. Every country responded differently to the crisis, depending on their resources and existing infrastructure facilities. The UAE did a phenomenal job in its efforts to curb the pandemic. However the spread of the disease, as well as its unavoidable health and social consequences, has prompted serious steps to be taken around the world. Lockdowns and quarantines had a signifi cant social and psychological effect on the whole population; the pandemic even triggered cultural changes many families faced tensions as a result of the restrictions imposed during the outbreak. Medical communities were concerned about an infl ux of affected patients, a lack of beds, a lack of medical equipment, and understaffed hospitals, to name a few of the many pressing issues. The current situation can be seen as an opportunity to revitalise the country's healthcare systems. The following suggestions can be used to accomplish this and enhance the overall healthcare design as a total: This is a time for change in healthcare design... The increasing importance of primary care Primary care, as the patient's fi rst point of contact, is critical for assessing an initial diagnosis – preferably before basic disease patterns become complicated and/or life-threatening. Why should we enhance primary care in the UAE? More successful treatments; technologically advanced treatments can be promoted through primary care settings and since advanced primary care is given near families and neighbourhoods, it also has a sense of social care. Planning of space To address the problem of cross-infection in hospitals, it is necessary to rethink spaces that facilitate healthy socialisation by creating neutral zone or buffer zones. To ensure the optimal protection of the patients and visitors, critical spaces such as intensive care units and operating theatres must be separated. Healthcare design is evolving TREND TALK: MOHAMED REZK ON HEALTHCARE ARCHITECTURE Staff need space to relaxSpecial Report 47 June 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Conclusion COVID-19 has exposed cracks in the healthcare sector, but also opportunities in this sector for AEC fi rms. This is a time for change in healthcare design. While we expect the last quarter of 2021 will show more signs of normality and return to pre-pandemic status, some things will become permanent features, such as: Telehealth (mobile healthcare), increasing demand for behavioural healthcare services and optimised use of energy and space. Once all the data concerning the pandemic and its aftermath is gathered and studied, an actionable execution strategy can be initiated in terms of design and structure. Lists of assets to be recommissioned or repurposed are built followed by developing projects based on the defi ciency recommendations and costs. We as architects continue to look for the most suitable design methodologies in the AEC sector that enhance holistic health and are progressive in trends. Thankfully, UAE offers a great opportunity for us to showcase our talent and implement them in the right direction. and re-use are points to be taken care of. Healthcare was uniquely positioned to deal with this current situation because it is considered to be the most regulated industry in the country. Anti-microbial building materials Some surfaces, such as copper, are less hospitable to microorganisms. The use of these materials can reduce the risk of surface transmission. E-switchable privacy glass, known as e-glass or smart glass, is currently used in some hospitals. Staff areas As per World Health Organization (WHO) predictions, there is a global shortage of healthcare workers, with double the current amount needed by 2030. All over the world, resources in hospitals and other healthcare providers are being exhausted. Break rooms and rest areas provide healthcare staff with a safe place to rest between shifts. Mohamed rezk is an architect and the commercial manager of MB Consultancy, a UAE-based practice that has a specialty in architectural and engineering consultancy services Projects under his belt include the Taj Hotel in Dubai's Business Bay. Meet the expert IN THE POST-COVID-19 ERA Mobile Clinics For minimal cross-infection, portable digital clinics that use advanced technologies are relatively portable, and they can be a primary step in the direction mentioned above. Suggested use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health, and health administration. Managing hospital/patient fl ow Due to the traditionally front-door nature of the emergency department, triage and assessment occur at the same time when patients present. Physical barriers have a demoralising effect on nursing professionals because they erode the compassionate care environment. Concepts such as low- volume air curtains will hopefully evolve to provide discreet separations while keeping patients and staff safe. MEP services It's important that additional emphasis is placed on ensuring a physical and visual connection to nature for patients, in the form of open spaces and healing gardens, which assist in their recovery, helping reduce stress levels. Sustainability Going forward, our priority must be to develop hospitals that are environmentally sustainable while also increasing operational effi ciency and cutting costs. Supply chain An increasing number of large healthcare facilities are implementing 3D printing services in-house. These are being reconfi gured to manage shortages in PPE and other vital equipment, such as ventilator parts.Special Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2021 48 CASE STUDY: DENTAL OFFICE IN FRANCE BY ARCHITECT JORDAN Carte blanche. That was the brief for French architect Jordan Hoareau when he was called on to renovate a former locksmith's workshop into a dental practice. When we think of the typical dentist's business aesthetic, we immediately imagine an immaculate white place, a waiting room made up of small benches or armchairs that are traditional and functional, but not necessarily inviting. For this medical facility in Saint Quentin, we forget all of the 'rinse and repeat' stereotypes of the sector. Instead Hoareau, who is based in the same town, imagines a place that creates a surprise, between the use of raw concrete and LoftNets nets to give a new minimalist and even brutalist dimension to the project. The brief It took two years of work to bring this ambitious project to life; three associated dentists in the north of France wanted to create a multi-functional offi ce with rooms for the creation of prosthetics, taking X-rays and carrying out dental operations. Hoareau given 'carte blanche' to renovate and totally transform this former locksmith's workshop. The whole 735 sq m space had to be stripped back to fi nd the brick of the walls and create the raw effect desired by the architect. Some of the original areas that were revealed were able to be preserved, like the cloakrooms. Beams are integrated into the design of the walls and colours and materials are carefully selected to have a simple and pleasant emphasis of the new space that's been created. For example, the dental cabinets used to store tools and other essential equipment have been created with a wooden frame and rendered with a concrete dress. LoftNets: utilisation without obstruction On the building's fi rst fl oor, Hoareau was faced with an incredible double height ceiling and a beautiful glass roof. In order to make the most of it, the architect decided to call upon the Bordeaux company LoftNets to integrate 'living nets' and give the impression that this space has no limits. The building's original beams are preserved Raw, stripped back wallsHere's a waiting roomSpecial Report 49 June 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com HOAREAU & LOFTNETS Inspired by the world of sailing, specifi cally the trampolines used on catamarans as a lighter alternative to a solid deck, loft nets and hammocks have become popular in contemporary interior design to create relaxation areas, fi ll voids, and design new rooms without sacrifi cing daylight. The fl oor net, originally used as a catamaran net, is tensioned across a void to secure a mezzanine or act as an openwork partition between two spaces, positioned either horizontally or vertically. The LoftNets created for use in buildings are made from polyester or polypropylene, both of which are UV-resistant for indoor and outdoor use and to be resilient against the weather . They've featured in hotel projects as both guard rails and unusual feature pieces. These giant hammocks allow light to circulate while providing a fi lter depending on the viewing angle, perfect for this project as the intended use of the fi rst fl oor is as a private space only accessible by staff at the dental practice. The thickness and colour of the mesh chosen by Hoareau from a range of seven colours and three diameters allows for a space bathed in light, whether this is natural or artifi cial. Manufacturing by LoftNets took fi ve weeks and the project as a whole was completed in two years. Like a great smile, this exciting interior is sure to make a lasting impression on clients at the dental clinic. The facade of the dental practice Here's some original brickwork Loftnets create a space for staffNext >