In addition to its cutting-edge medical services, Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth, Western Australia, is well-known for its well-thought-out main reception room. In order to promote recovery and facilitate navigation, this area expertly combines practicality with a serene setting, demonstrating a patient-centric approach.
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Designing for Comfort and Clarity
Upon entering from Robin Warren Drive, visitors are greeted by a spacious, double-height concourse that serves as the hospital’s central artery. This east-west corridor is flooded with natural light, thanks to strategically placed skylights, and features intuitive wayfinding elements to minimize stress and confusion. Information desks, marked by green strips and information icons, are strategically located throughout to assist visitors in finding their destinations .Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group+2Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group+2SilverThomasPerth+2SilverThomasPerth
The reception area is adorned with the artwork “Around and in Between” by Stuart Green, a serpentine timber installation crafted from wood harvested on-site. This piece not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also serves as a landmark, guiding visitors toward the Main Court and adjacent cafes .ArchitectureAu+1SilverThomasPerth+1SilverThomasPerth+1ArchitectureAu+1
Integrating Nature for Healing
The design of the main reception extends beyond aesthetics, incorporating natural elements to promote healing. The Main Court, accessible from the reception, offers a landscaped garden space that provides both active areas for social interaction and quiet zones for reflection. The use of native plant species, many propagated from seeds collected on-site, reinforces the connection to the local environment and contributes to a soothing atmosphere .Land8+1Archello+1ArchitectureAu+6SilverThomasPerth+6ArchitectureAu+6
Additionally, the hospital’s layout includes green roofs and courtyards that are visible from various points within the building, offering patients and visitors continual visual access to nature, which has been shown to aid in recovery and reduce stress .Archify+3Land8+3e-architect+3
Facilitating Access and Movement
Navigation within the hospital is streamlined through the use of color-coded lifts—blue for the western (ocean side) and orange for the eastern (desert side)—which connect the main concourse to the wards above. This system simplifies wayfinding and ensures that patients and visitors can reach their destinations with ease .Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group
The main reception also provides access to essential amenities, including retail outlets, a pharmacy, and cafes, all situated along the concourse. This thoughtful placement ensures that visitors have convenient access to services without needing to navigate away from the central area.SilverThomasPerth+1ArchitectureAu+1
A Model for Patient-Centered Design
Fiona Stanley Hospital’s main reception area exemplifies how thoughtful design can enhance the healthcare experience. By prioritizing natural light, intuitive navigation, and the integration of nature, the hospital creates an environment that supports both physical healing and emotional well-being. This approach serves as a model for healthcare facilities aiming to create spaces that are as welcoming and restorative as they are functional.