Perkins Eastman’s Federico Del Priore on Flexibility and Adaptability in Hospital Spaces

In this episode of Buildings 2.0, Jose speaks with Federico Del Priore, Studio Leader & Principal at Perkins Eastman, about the intersection of architecture and healthcare. Federico emphasizes the importance of human-centered design, highlighting how understanding the needs of patients and clinicians can lead to more compassionate healthcare environments. 

 

He also discusses the necessity of flexibility in hospital design to accommodate evolving technologies and care modalities. Federico underscores the critical role of communication among stakeholders throughout the design process, ensuring that all voices are heard and integrated into the final outcome. 

 

Topics discussed:

• The significance of human-centered design in healthcare architecture, focusing on enhancing the emotional and physical experiences of patients and clinicians alike.  
• The evolving role of flexibility in hospital design, allowing spaces to adapt to changing technologies and care modalities over time.  
• The importance of stakeholder communication throughout the design process, ensuring all voices are heard and integrated into the project outcomes.  
• Strategies for creating supportive environments that promote healing, including the use of natural light and thoughtful spatial layouts.  
• The impact of post-occupancy surveys in measuring the success of healthcare facilities and informing future design improvements.  
• The necessity of robust infrastructure in healthcare buildings to accommodate future changes in equipment and technology.  
• Engaging community members and local artists in the design process to create vibrant, multifunctional spaces adjacent to healthcare facilities.  
• The role of technology in enhancing patient experiences, such as providing self-service options and facilitating communication with care providers.  
• The challenges and rewards of managing large architectural teams on complex healthcare projects, emphasizing collaboration and open communication.  
• The importance of understanding the daily workflows of healthcare professionals to inform effective spatial planning and design decisions.