Interior Design in Hospitals: Creating Recharge Rooms and Restorative Spaces for Staff Well-being

biophilic recharge room (a.i. generated image by biofilico)

In the high-pressure environment of healthcare, the well-being of medical staff is of paramount importance. Long hours, intense workloads, and the emotional toll of patient care in hospitals and clinics can lead to stress and burnout. To address these challenges, hospitals are increasingly incorporating recharge rooms and restorative spaces into their design.

These dedicated areas provide healthcare workers with a quiet sanctuary where they can rest and recover. At Biofilico Wellness Interiors, we understand the critical role these spaces play in supporting the health and productivity of hospital staff.

In this blog, we explore the concept of recharge rooms, their benefits, and the importance of biophilic design in creating these restorative environments.

What is a Recharge Room - interior design in hospital waiting rooms?

A recharge room, also known as a restorative space or wellness room, is a designated area within a hospital where staff can take a break from the demands of their job. These rooms are often located near treatment rooms to provide quick access for staff needing a break. These rooms are designed to offer a tranquil environment where employees can relax, de-stress, and rejuvenate during their shifts.

Unlike traditional break rooms, recharge rooms focus on promoting mental and physical well-being through thoughtful design and amenities.

Key Features of Recharge Rooms:

1. Quiet and Private: Recharge rooms are often separated from the hustle and bustle of the hospital, providing a peaceful retreat away from the noise and activity of patient care areas.

2. Comfortable Seating: Ergonomic chairs, lounges, and soft furnishings ensure that staff can rest comfortably and effectively recover from physical and mental fatigue.

3. Welcoming Reception Area: A well-designed reception area can set the tone for the entire recharge room, making it feel inviting and comfortable. Using natural materials, like rocks, can create a relaxing and less intimidating atmosphere.

4. Calming Ambiance: Soft lighting, soothing colours, and natural elements create a serene atmosphere that helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

5. Multi-Functional: These rooms may include spaces for quiet reflection, napping, meditation, or light exercise, catering to the diverse needs of hospital staff.

6. Accessible Amenities: Recharge rooms often provide amenities such as charging stations, refreshments, and even massage chairs to enhance relaxation and convenience.

Benefits of Biophilic Design in a Hospital Recharge Room

Biophilic design is a concept that integrates natural elements into the built environment to promote a connection to nature for both staff and patients. In the context of hospital recharge rooms, biophilic design can significantly enhance the restorative experience for staff. Here are some key benefits:

1. Stress Reduction

Nature has a profound impact on reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Incorporating elements such as indoor plants, water features, and natural light into recharge rooms can create a calming environment that helps to alleviate the pressures of hospital work. Research has shown that exposure to nature can lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rates, and improve overall mood, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere.

2. Improved Mental Well-being

Biophilic design can positively influence mental health by providing a soothing and comforting space for staff to unwind. Natural elements such as greenery, natural materials (wood, stone), and views of the outdoors can create a sense of tranquility and peace. This connection to nature can counterbalance the often sterile and clinical atmosphere of a hospital, offering a refreshing contrast. Incorporating these natural elements are important factors in creating a space that supports mental well-being.

3. Enhanced Cognitive Function

Studies have demonstrated that environments incorporating natural elements can boost cognitive function, enhancing focus, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. In recharge rooms, this can translate to staff returning to their duties feeling more alert and capable, which is crucial in high-stakes healthcare settings. Implementing these interior design ideas can help create an environment that boosts cognitive function.

4. Physical Health Benefits

Biophilic design also contributes to physical well-being. Natural light and fresh air can improve sleep quality and energy levels, while plants can enhance air quality by reducing pollutants and increasing oxygen levels. These factors contribute to the overall health and vitality of hospital staff. Similar principles can be applied to other healthcare settings, such as a dental clinic, to enhance physical health benefits.

5. Boosted Morale and Job Satisfaction

Creating spaces that prioritize staff well-being demonstrates a hospital’s commitment to its employees. Recharge rooms designed with biophilic elements can boost morale, enhance job satisfaction, and foster a sense of being valued and supported. This can lead to lower turnover rates and a more positive work environment. These design principles can also be applied to dental practices to boost morale and job satisfaction.

biophilic recharge room (a.i. generated image by biofilico)

Designing Effective Recharge Rooms with Biophilic Elements

To create recharge rooms that truly support staff well-being, it’s essential to incorporate biophilic design principles effectively into the overall clinic design. Here are some strategies to consider:

Natural Light and Views

Maximize natural light by placing recharge rooms in areas with large windows or skylights. Views of nature, whether through windows or via nature-inspired murals and artwork, can enhance the sense of connection to the outdoors. Natural light and views can also enhance the waiting room, making it a more pleasant space for patients.

Indoor Greenery

Incorporate a variety of indoor plants to purify the air and provide visual and sensory engagement. Living walls or vertical gardens can be particularly impactful, adding lush greenery without taking up floor space. Indoor greenery can also be effectively used in an aesthetic clinic to create a calming environment.

Natural Materials and Their Benefits

Use natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo in the furniture and finishes. These materials not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also evoke a sense of warmth and grounding.

Using natural materials can also enhance the design of a dental office, making it more welcoming and comfortable.

Water Features

Consider adding water features like small fountains or aquariums. The sound and sight of flowing water can have a calming effect, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.

Water features can also be incorporated into a doctor's office to create a calming environment.

Organic Forms and Patterns

Integrate organic shapes and patterns that mimic natural forms. Curved lines, asymmetrical layouts, and textures inspired by nature can create a more harmonious and inviting environment.

Organic forms and patterns can also enhance the design of a dental surgery, making it more inviting and calming.

Sensory Stimulation

Incorporate elements that engage the senses, such as soothing scents, tactile surfaces, and gentle sounds. Aromatherapy diffusers and soft music or nature sounds can further enhance the restorative experience. Sensory stimulation can also be an important aspect of dental clinic design, enhancing the patient experience.

Flexible and Adaptive Spaces

Design recharge rooms to be flexible and adaptable to different needs and preferences. Provide a variety of seating options and areas for different activities, from quiet reflection to social interaction.

Flexible and adaptive spaces can also be beneficial in dental clinics, catering to the diverse needs of patients and staff.

Soft Lighting

Use a combination of natural and artificial lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Adjustable lighting levels can allow staff to personalize their environment to their comfort. Soft lighting can also enhance the ambiance of aesthetic clinics, making them more inviting and comfortable for patients.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Staff Well-being through Thoughtful Design

Recharge rooms and restorative spaces are more than just a trend in hospital design; they are a vital investment in the health and productivity of healthcare workers.

By incorporating biophilic design principles, hospitals can create environments that not only offer respite from the demands of the job but also actively contribute to the physical and mental well-being of their staff.

At Biofilico Wellness Interiors, we are dedicated to creating spaces that support wellness and rejuvenation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you design recharge rooms that enhance the well-being of your healthcare team.

For more insights and guidance on designing wellness-focused interiors, visit our website Biofilico or reach out to our team of expert designers.

How to design a Restorative Space or Zen Room in line with WELL Building standard guidelines

restorative space concept room concept design by biofilico

FIRSTLY, WHAT IS A RESTORATIVE SPACE AS PART OF A WELLBEING STRATEGY?

A dedicated wellbeing room is a designated space where individuals can take a break from their day-to-day lives and focus on themselves. It is designed to provide a calming atmosphere to help people (be they office worker, or coliving resident, for example) relax, refocus, and recharge.

The wellness room should ideally be free of unnecessary distractions and contain items that proactively promote mental and physical relaxation such as comfortable furniture, aromatherapy items, calming music, and art. More on that below as we go further into the details...

Users can spend time in the wellbeing room to meditate, practice yoga or simply take some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to be alone with their thoughts, or indeed together in a small group setting.

restorative space concept room concept design by biofilico

Mental health benefits of a dedicated restorative space in offices or coliving schemes

An office wellness room or zen room in a residential context can offer a variety of mental health benefits, such as allowing employees or residents to take a break from their work life and refocus their minds.

It can provide a quiet, private space to relax and relieve stress or anxiety, which can help improve their own productivity levels and morale.

Taking regular breaks from work to relax in an office wellbeing room for example can help employees stay focused and energized throughout the day.

Additionally, it can offer an opportunity for employees or residents to connect with one another, perhaps even to address any mental health issues in a private setting setting, fostering stronger relationships that may lead to better workplace collaboration.

WELL BUILDING FEATURE / RESTORATIVE SPACES

In MIND feature M07 of the WELL Building Standard the focus is on providing restorative spaces designed exclusively for calm contemplation and restoration to reduce occupant mental stress and fatigue.

Wellness design features in a restorative space, according to WELL, the consideration should cover lighting, sound, thermal comfort, seating, nature, colours & privacy.

This equates to some combination of dimmable lighting, nature sounds, shade from direct sunlight, evidence of biophilic design, comfortable seating that encourage relaxation, natural colours and materials, visual privacy, and finally audio-visual content to bring the whole space to life are.

The standard also specifies signage and/or educational materials to help communicate the room features - this could be via a QR code or printed material available in-room.

restorative space concept for Fusion Students by Biofilico

INTERIOR DESIGN FOR A ZEN ROOM OR WELLNESS ROOM

A safe, private, cocoon-like space in which students can take a quiet moment, either alone or in small groups, away from the pressures of the outside world and away from prying eyes, away from their desk.

Clusters of air-purifying plants combine with healthy, non-toxic fabrics and materials for enhanced indoor air quality.

Acoustic ceiling and door panels, partition wall insulation and curtains isolate the space from external noise.

Circadian lighting hidden among the plants below and ceiling panels above follows the body's natural 24-hr rhythm, adjusting automatically with the seasons.

Users have access to forest bathing sound therapies, breathwork sessions and mindfulness meditations via pre-loaded wellness apps on a wide-screen smart TV.

Meditation cushions, blankets and floor pillows combine with an inset thick-pile rug and a 'no shoes inside' policy. Ideal for small group workshops, holistic sessions and... simply being.

Natural light opens the door to living plants and establishes a connection with nature, or at the very least, with the natural ebb and flow of daylight outside.

How can biophilic design contribute to the wellbeing benefits of a recharge room?

Biophilic design can help create a calming atmosphere in a recharge room, allowing individuals to relax and feel at ease.

The use of natural materials, such as wood or stone, can help to ground the space and create a sense of connection to nature.

Plants can also be used to bring life into the room, providing a visual connection to the outdoors and helping to purify the air.

Additionally, natural light can help to lift moods, boost productivity and promote healing. By incorporating biophilic elements into a recharge room, individuals can benefit from increased relaxation and improved wellbeing.

recharge room for HERO Natural Foods, Switzerland by Biofilico

Multi-sensory design in wellness room interiors

Multi-sensory design is the perfect way to enhance the wellbeing benefits of an office recharge room.

By incorporating elements of sight, sound, smell, and touch, a wellness room with multi-sensory design can provide a calming atmosphere that helps employees or residents relax and reenergize.

For example, using calming colors for walls and furniture can create an inviting environment that promotes relaxation in a private space that is deemed to be safe and somehow separate from the rest of the building's facilities.

Adding scent diffusers with essential oils such as lavender can help to reduce stress levels and enhance mental health clarity. We are fans of forest aromatherapy via a wall-mounted diffuser that has a 50-day cartridge, for minimal operational impact on facilities management teams

Incorporating sound elements such as soothing music or nature sounds can also help to reduce stress and create a safe and calm space with an explicitly peaceful atmosphere - ideally with a 'no shoes inside' rule!

Our pals over at Open Ear Music and SWELL even take field recordings of nearby nature spots to quite literally bring the authentic sounds of nature indoors, an example all the difference of next level biophilia right there!

Finally, adding soft textures such as plush, thick pile eco-friendly rugs underfoot can provide tactile stimulation to further promote relaxation and when combined with biophilic design may promote feelings of nature connection.

With the right combination of multi-sensory elements, office and residential recharge rooms can be transformed into a haven of relaxation that helps employees and residents focus on their mental wellbeing.

Using air-purifying plants in a wellness room environment

Air-purifying indoor plants can help to reduce air pollution in a variety of ways. These plants can absorb harmful pollutants from the air, like formaldehyde and benzene. They also produce oxygen which helps to improve indoor air quality.

Additionally, these plants help to humidify the air and increase humidity levels, which can be beneficial for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.

Lastly, these plants can act as natural air filters that absorb dust particles and other allergens from the air, making it easier to breathe indoors.

All of these benefits make air-purifying indoor plants a great choice for improving indoor air quality and reducing pollution in any home or office environment.

Healthy Materials in wellness rooms in the workplace or residences

Healthy and non-toxic materials in interior design are becoming increasingly popular. Natural materials such as bamboo, cork, and wool are great choices for furniture and flooring.

Wood is another popular choice as a healthy material since it is renewable (when sustainably sourced) and has an inherent wabi-sabi beauty that adds warmth to any room.

For fabrics, look for organic cotton, linen, and hemp which are all made without the use of toxic chemicals.

If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, look into the emerging field of bio-based materials and of course recycled materials like plastics or glass. These can be used to create beautiful accent pieces or even countertops.

Lastly, paints and finishes should be low-VOC or no-VOC so that they don’t release harmful toxins into the air.

Alternative wall finishes might include clay plaster for example, that is naturally non-toxic, low in VOCs, as well as recyclable, repairable & compostable at its end of life.

Integrating pre-loaded wellness content for mental health in wellness spaces

It is useful to provide employees and residents (e.g. students in a student coliving) with the tools they need to stay healthy and productive, making it as easy as possible for them to access what they need, when they need it, removing as many obstacles in that process as possible in other words.

Recharge rooms can be designed to include different types of wellness content, such as meditation apps and mental wellbeing apps. Users can use these tools to relax, boost their mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and even increase their productivity.

A DIGITAL LIBRARY OF WELLNESS CONTENT

Additionally, employers or residential developers can create a digital and/or print library of wellness content that employees can access from their own devices within the recharge room, or indeed simply pick up to read.

This library could include books, podcasts, articles, videos or even a digital whiteboard with relaxation techniques or guided mindfulness exercises.

By providing these resources in a comfortable and quiet space for employees to access when they need it, employers are creating an environment where employees feel supported in their personal health and wellbeing journey.

Some of our favourite wellbeing room content apps that do not require significant budget would be OPO for guided meditations and sound baths; O-P-E-N for breathwork and meditation sessions; and finally SWELL for sound, wellness room and forest bathing.

Wellness spaces within a healthy building strategy

The key principles of a healthy building strategy should include the use of materials that are non-toxic and low-emitting, as well as a focus on energy efficiency and air quality.

Good ventilation is also essential for a healthy building environment, as it helps to provide fresh air to occupants and reduce indoor pollutants.

It is important to consider how the building interacts with its environment, such as through passive design strategies like natural lighting or shading, green roofs and walls, and other sustainable measures.

Additionally, it is important to consider the own personal health needs of occupants when designing a space by incorporating ergonomic furniture layouts, comfortable temperature control systems, noise reduction techniques, and other features that contribute to occupant wellbeing... such as gyms, yoga rooms and wellness rooms.