These are groundbreaking times in the design of behavioral healthcare facilities. Many strides are taking place within these spaces to positively impact the human within. During the past 20 years research on healthcare environments has greatly increased. Healthcare spaces have become visually more interesting, layered and complex. Their goal is to stimulate, but not overly so, and encourage the patient, along with their families, to participate with their treatment. This new trend for design in healthcare spaces is greatly influenced by an appreciable amount of evidence-based research that points to an increase in recovery, shorter stays and a more satisfied relationship with one’s environment.

Color has become a vital tool for healthcare facilities to use in the healing process and in their efforts to normalize what have historically been considered institutional spaces. But why? And where? And how? This white paper — written by Tara Hill of Little Fish Think Tank — presents detailed research, tools and resources that can be used to assist interior designers, architects and facility managers in their attempts to create harmonious spaces that are appealing to staff, patients and their families.

Download the Role of Color in Humanizing Behavioral Healthcare Facilities White Paper