This article originally appeared in the Health and Medicine print issue, in stands January 2025. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date.
In the 20th century, architects designed hospitals as stark and functional structures with long hallways, sterile walls and fluorescent lighting that prioritized efficiency yet provided little comfort. These spaces, designed for practicality, often neglected the emotional and psychological needs of patients and their families. Today, however, architects are redesigning hospitals to heal both body and mind. They aim to transform the intimidating experience of being in a hospital into one that is comforting and supportive.
The University of Utah Hospital
This shift is happening in healthcare facilities across the United States. Here in Salt Lake, the University of Utah Hospital’s current expansion attempts to do this.
Designed by FFKR Architects, patient rooms have large windows that contain views of the Wasatch Mountains and rooftop gardens bring in greenery.
Inside, the hospital prioritizes warmth and light. Broad corridors are filled with natural light, and the materials used throughout the building are chosen for their calming qualities, with warm-toned wood and beige paint attempting to make patients feel at ease.
Shifting hospitals from clinical to comforting is grounded in research showing that exposure to natural light and outdoor views can significantly reduce stress and accelerate recovery times.
The Historical Evolution of the University of Utah Medical Center
Historically, the hospital was once called the University of Utah Medical Center. Its development spanned two decades, beginning with initial discussions in 1945 and culminating in its opening in 1965.
This project marked a significant shift from the university’s earlier “brains not bricks” philosophy, which had prioritized faculty appointments over infrastructure since the medical school’s inception in 1905. The planning phase, which concluded with concept approval in early 1959, laid the foundation for a state-of-the-art facility designed to integrate advanced medical education and patient care.
From Isolation to Integration
For centuries, hospitals were designed to isolate the sick from the rest of the population. This was especially true during pandemics, where containment took precedence over comfort. Today, the focus has shifted to integration, both within the hospital and between the hospital and its surrounding community.
At the university, thoughtful planning drives this integration. The designers emphasize connection in the hospital’s layout. Public spaces, such as communal lounges and cafes welcome both patients and visitors. They attempt to break down the barriers between clinical and everyday life. These design elements help create a sense of normalcy, making the hospital feel less like an institution and more like a community space.
Designing for Diverse Needs
Hospitals must serve diverse populations with varied needs, accommodating everything from childbirth to end-of-life care. This duality requires spaces that are flexible, empathetic and capable of adapting to the full range of human experiences.
At the university’s hospital, inclusivity is evident in its modular designs, which allow for future adaptations as medical technologies and practices evolve. Designers can reconfigure spaces to meet new healthcare demands, such as the growing need for specialized treatment centers or expanded intensive care units. This flexibility ensures that the hospital can remain effective for years to come.
Sustainability is another priority. Energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials are integral to the hospital’s design, reflecting a broader trend toward environmentally conscious construction in the healthcare sector. By reducing energy consumption and waste, the hospital lowers operational costs but also minimizes its environmental footprint: a critical consideration due to climate change.
The innovations at University of Utah Hospital are part of a larger movement transforming hospitals nationwide. A recent report from Building Design + Construction said healthcare facilities are embracing resilient designs to withstand climate-related challenges, such as hurricanes and wildfires. These efforts ensure that hospitals can continue to provide care during emergencies, safeguarding both patients and staff.
Telemedicine is another force reshaping hospital design. Facilities are increasingly incorporating spaces that support hybrid models of treatment. Consultation rooms equipped with advanced telecommunication technology enable remote doctor-patient interactions while maintaining privacy and comfort.
Architecture as a Partner in Healing
Reimagining hospitals as environments that care for both body and mind prompts deeper questions about the role of architecture in healing. How can hospital design continue to balance advanced medical needs with the emotional and psychological well-being of patients? What does it mean to create spaces that heal not just individuals but also communities? By embracing these innovations, hospitals redefine healthcare, reminding us that healing is as much about humanity as it is about medicine.
