The increasing focus on population health means that designers need to look beyond the four walls of the facilities they design, according to an article on the Contract magazine website.

By looking through the client’s eyes, and through the lens of what really effects health outcomes, designers can gain a new understanding of how design can bend the health and wellness curve.

Designers are already focused on sustainability with material choices and building system selection. Next, they can look at the scale of the block, campus, community, district, and region — as the clients are beginning to — to better understand the impact of our design decisions on population health, the article said.

Designers can make healthcare facilities to be more welcoming and integrated into the community and encourage staff to shop locally or go out to the local café for lunch instead of the hospital cafeteria. Design features can increase safety in the community surrounding the facilities — like safe and inviting pedestrian and bicycle paths.

Read the article.