Accent & Amenity
You can understand the general opinion that hospitals themselves are never
a desirable place to be at any time, particularly if you are a patient. Even staff
that have a difficult job to do sometimes in difficult circumstances are never in
doubt as to what the building represents. The interaction of light and architecture
and its power to create emotive visual space is the key to providing a functional
yet tolerable even desirable experience.
Lighting should always be more than just providing for the visual task, it has to
be about the illumination of spaces, enhancing and describing the architecture
and more importantly it must be a producer of emotion and help generate a
sense of well-being. Certain areas will always be charged with emotions and
worries and it would be impossible to relieve these entirely but thoughtful use
of lighting within these areas will help provide an acceptable face to healthcare.
The lighting design should also take into account the need for change in
atmosphere for social activities. Accent and amenity lighting while effective in
helping to create some visual relief in somber areas can also provide vibrant
ambience to dining or break-out areas.
Accent and amenity lighting provides the perfect opportunity to be creative. Good
lighting will help promote an air of quality and competence within the hospital,
providing welcome reassurance for patients and help a great number of patients
and visitors feel more positive about there experiences there.
Good lighting is not only desirable, but essential in helping patients secure
confidence and appreciably tolerate their visit.
