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Historically, hospitals have been perceived as cold, clinical places — designed more for function than form. But as the landscape of healthcare evolves, so too does the patient experience. Today, more providers are embracing the transformative power of design to create environments that actively promote healing and accelerate patient recovery.
Exemplifying this is Bumrungrad Vitalife, a multi-specialty hospital nestled in the heart of Bangkok. True to its roots — Bumrungrad, after all, means “to care for people” in Thai — the hospital’s philosophy of compassionate care extends beyond medical treatment and into its interior design. Partnering with renowned hospitality design specialist Miaja Design, it presents a modern space that reimagines what a healthcare sanctuary should look and feel like.
Architecture as therapy
A healthcare facility can often be a daunting place for patients and visitors alike. To alleviate this, Miaja Design Group, under the creative direction of Isabelle Miaja, has employed a multi-layered approach to Bumrungrad Vitalife’s interiors, crafting spaces that soothe and uplift using soft elements and nature-inspired motifs.
Muted earthy tones, soft whites, and metallic accents flow effortlessly throughout the facility — from the reception areas to the serene private treatment rooms. These hues do more than just decorate, as they also reflect light in ways that create an inviting warmth. Mountain-themed wall coverings and delicate floral patterns echo the textures of the natural world, grounding the space and connecting patients to a larger, restorative narrative.
Gentle, rounded forms that guide patients through the space are complemented by sweeping curves and organic lines, seen in the spiral staircase at the main reception and the curvature of furniture edges, which encourage movement while reducing visual stress. Meanwhile, waiting areas and lounges are arranged to maximise privacy while still maintaining a sense of openness and connection.
Leading light
Lighting, too, plays a pivotal role. Miaja’s design intertwines natural and artificial lighting to cultivate a dynamic yet serene atmosphere. Indirect lighting with warm hues cast a comforting glow that shifts subtly throughout the day, responding to the ebb and flow of patient activity.
Supporting these carefully designed spaces are discreet, state-of-the-art technological integrations that enhance patient comfort. Miaja Design chose the timeless LS 990 range from JUNG in Stainless Steel and Classic Brass finishes to complement the hospital’s calming aesthetics while maintaining functional integrity. The range’s elegant push-buttons and sockets blend effortlessly into the overall design.
With the integration of the JUNG KNX system in conjunction with the push-buttons, intelligent automation can be enabled throughout the hospital. From managing lighting scenes to automatically adjusting ambient settings, the system adapts to the needs of both patients and staff, ensuring an environment that is optimised for care. The clever demarcation of sockets based on the type of medical instruments used, achieved using different coloured socket covers, allows staff to easily identify the correct ports to be used – another example of how thoughtful design can transform a healthcare facility into a space of comfort, care, and healing.
For more information, visit: www.jungasia.com
