As we begin 2024, Matthew Griffith, VP, director of the healthcare division at Nashville's Barge Design Solutions, gives us a look at some healthcare design trends of interest:

• Integrating Nature into Behavioral Health Facilities:

• With an escalating demand for behavioral health facilities, the healthcare industry recognizes a growing need for dedicated spaces to address mental health concerns.
• Embracing a landscape architecture perspective, exemplified by Barge's design for the Fiskin viewing garden project in Chattanooga, illustrates this shift towards incorporating healing gardens within behavioral health projects.
• These designs are grounded in evidence-based principles, affirming the proven correlation between exposure to natural light and beauty.
• Expect the creation of healing environments to aid patients recovering from surgery or dealing with mental health issues.

• Integration of Technology in Healthcare Design:

• The infusion of technology, including AI and real-time renderings using virtual reality, is revolutionizing healthcare design processes for engineering firms such as Barge Design Solutions.
• The industry acknowledges the potential of AI in contributing to healthcare advancements, emphasizing practical applications such as using VR for surgery planning and real-time renderings for efficient communication among stakeholders.
• This technological trend is poised to continue well into 2024, enhancing design efficiency and decision-making in creating futuristic healthcare environments.

• Staff Safety and Well-being:

• Prioritizing the safety and well-being of healthcare staff is an ongoing challenge slated to be a focal point in the new year. A project example by Barge for this trend is the company's recent "Zen Den" project, which the team curated in a Florida hospital.
• The concept is a relaxed room separate from the staff's break room, underscoring the commitment to environments supporting healthcare professionals' mental and emotional health.
• These design strategies extend beyond physical safety, addressing challenges in staff retention and providing spaces for relaxation and respite within healthcare facilities.
• In 2024, anticipate a continued emphasis on innovative solutions for enhancing the well-being of healthcare staff.