SUSTAINABLE AND HEALTHPROMOTING CARE ENVIRONMENTS The physical environment impacts how we feel and function as humans. In no other place is this as true as in care environments. Johan Franzén, Kinnarps Next Care® Concept Manager, strives to focus on the individual and to create sustainable, health-promoting interior design solutions that support residents, staff and relatives. WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR AND
early on in the process. Having said that, there is a great deal
KINNARPS WORK WITH CARE ENVIRONMENTS?
of general knowledge out there that can be applied to all care
It is simply knowing how good things can turn out when they're
environments, such as determining what demands should
done right. We have a number of projects that we’ve come a long
be made, what things should be prioritised and what things
way in. I’m not talking in terms of economic resources, but in that
should be avoided.
these care environments have been designed based on solid, up-todate knowledge and on identified needs. Though it may be a reason to rejoice, it is also a source of frustration. We wish that everyone who needs an environment like this would be able to have it. We think we have found the key to creating sustainable,
In the end, it is all about people’s health, quality of life and well-being.
health-promoting care environments for the future, and naturally, we want to create more of them.
WHAT DEMANDS SHOULD WE MAKE
WHAT ARE THE GREATEST DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
Functionality is an absolute must. We integrate functionality
ON THE INTERIOR DESIGN? CARE ENVIRONMENTS THEN AND NOW?
directly into our furniture to avoid the feeling of being in an
In the 1980s and 90s, specific functions, dimensions
institution. For example, levers and buttons are integrated
and standards were established for furnishing care environ-
into the furniture, not on. It’s all in the details: armchairs that
ments. At the time, these were important steps. However,
are both stackable and can be hung, surfaces that withstand
many modern-day projects are still based on these outdated
disinfection, durable, easily removed fabrics that can be
requirements, which haven’t changed at pace with what we
washed in 60 degrees and furniture with sanitary gaps
have learned and how needs have changed.
between the seat and back to prevent dirt and bacteria being
In our experience, people often ask the wrong questions, which unfortunately leads to getting the wrong answers. Today, we need to meet the needs of the individual rather than strive
trapped. Height adjustable tables to suit the individual and tabletops with sound-absorption for good acoustics. It is also important to take a holistic view – uniformity
for large-scale standard solutions. The care environments of
in your interior design solution creates a sense of calm.
the future are solutions that are unique, sustainable, stand the
Colours, contrasts, sounds and fragrances make a world
test of time and factor in many parameters, where the value,
of difference in how people navigate an environment and
well-being and independence of the individual are at the core.
whether or not it feels safe and stimulating. Aesthetics, in the form of art, harmonious colour palettes, views from
WHAT FEATURES OF FUTURE CARE ENVIRONMENTS
windows, plants and furniture with soft rounded shapes and
STAND OUT MOST?
tactile materials can offer positive distraction.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution that can be applied to
In other words, it is important to take hard values such as hy-
all operations. Before you can make a change to the physical
giene and ergonomics into consideration, but also to make room
environment, you need to reach consensus on the vision
for soft values such as aesthetics and sensory input. Flexible,
and goals, identify needs and involve the people who will be
safe, supportive interior design solutions to meet different needs.
impacted by the project.
Attractive shapes paired with natural, tactile materials such as
The end result is so much better when your view of interior design is a long-term and holistic one and when it is planned 4
wood, leather and beautiful, durable, textured fabrics. The purpose is to create an inclusive environment for interaction and integrity,
