By Christa Belasco, PE, IALD, LC, Senior Lighting Designer, HGA
For individuals with neurological conditions such as autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, or Sensory Processing Disorders, a simple visit to the doctor can become an overwhelming sensory experience. Individuals with certain neurological conditions can be particularly sensitive to the sub-visible flicker of direct lighting sources, frequencies that neurotypical individuals cannot perceive but that can trigger severe discomfort and anxiety in neurodivergent patients.
The following design features can support individuals with diverse neurological and sensory processing conditions to lessen anxiety and create a more welcoming environment for all.
Soft Indirect Lighting: Individuals with certain neurological conditions can be particularly sensitive to the sub-visible flicker of direct lighting sources. With this sensitivity to light flicker in mind, soft indirect lighting sources can enhance patient comfort. Indirect lighting in corridors can create a calming environment and edge-lit architectural troffers in exam rooms can deliver higher illumination levels for examination from a diffused, visually comfortable source.
Positive Distractions: Visiting a healthcare provider can be a stressful situation for anyone, particularly pediatric patients. Positive distractions can improve patient well-being by reducing stress and focusing attention on more positive aspects of the healthcare environment like artwork, soothing sounds or interactive technologies.
At Gillette Children’s in St. Paul, Minnesota, a feature wall is included in every exam room. The wall is covered with a unique textured material and a color changing grazing cove light, serving as a positive distraction and allowing for personal choice. Young patients can choose their own color for their room or select a color changing scene to play from an intuitive wall controller.
Wayfinding Aids: Patients with various neurological conditions can have difficulty navigating new environments. Lighting and interior elements can be used to help patients intuitively find their way through a facility. Accent-lit signage and continuous linear light in the ceiling help to lead visitors to their destination, such as the registration desk or waiting area. Other wayfinding techniques include engaging graphics that incorporate clear concise signage and a color palette that reinforces a facility’s corporate brand image while supporting navigational clues.
Image: At Gillette Children’s, upon stepping off the elevator onto the clinic floor, patients and families are greeted by accent lit signage and a continuous linear light in the ceiling that mimics a continuous line in the flooring pattern. This double line element leads visitors to the registration desk. Photo Credit: Jasper Lazor
Natural Light and Views: Daylight and views of the outdoors have been shown by research to improve mood and to have numerous positive psychological and physiological benefits. Waiting area and therapy rooms located near exterior windows offer access to natural light and views. Connection to nature creates a more calming and restorative indoor environment, leading to positive effects on patients’ physical and mental health.
Image: The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain in Minneapolis, Minnesota offers floor to ceiling windows for abundant daylight and views to the outdoors. Photo Credit: Corey Gaffer
Personalized Lighting Controls: There is no one-size-fits-all in designing for patient comfort, so flexibility is key. Wall dimmers in exam and treatment rooms, toilets, personal care spaces, work and consultation rooms offer patient control over lighting intensity. A respite room with adjustable lighting can provide patients and families with a private space to take a break. Dimmable and/or color changing lights can allow occupants to customize the look and feel of the room to suit their preferences.
Image: Gillette Children’s patient respite room offers soft overhead lighting that is fully dimmable and a color changing wall grazing cove light that allows occupants to customize the look and feel of the room to suit their preferences. Photo Credit: Jasper Lazor
Layered Lighting: Layers of light create a pleasing visual environment where light is perceived at multiple angles and intensities, rather than from one single harsh overhead source. A variety of lighting such as soft cove light or diffused linear and drum lights comfortably illuminate waiting spaces.
Image: Waiting areas at Gillette Children’s feature a playful child-size nook with accent lighting and a concealed lensed tape light, providing a welcoming small volume space where children can relax. Photo Credit: Jasper Lazor
Research has shown that individuals with neurological conditions see the world differently and are affected in unique ways by various sensory input. When designing with neurodiversity in mind from the outset, environments can be more comfortable, accessible, and healing for everyone. As healthcare continues to evolve, creating environments that truly serve the people who use them, regardless of how they experience the world, leads to a more inclusive environment for a diverse range of patients.
About the Author:
Christa Belasco, PE, IALD, LC, is a senior lighting designer with HGA in Minneapolis. She has created numerous award-winning lighting designs for healthcare, corporate, and community centered projects.
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