Lean Healthcare – a New Evidence-Based Design Strategy?

The first quarter issue of the Patient-Centered Design Online Newsletter is up and features an article on Lean design for healthcare. I've often wondered what Lean Design is. It is a derivative of manufacturing experience, specifically that of the Toyota Production System (TPS). According to Tammy S. Thompson: "Lean design is a system that focuses on … Continue reading Lean Healthcare – a New Evidence-Based Design Strategy?

Changing Directions, Changing Lives: The first mental health strategy for Canada

Monday, the Mental Health Commission of Canada announced the first mental health strategy for Canada. Formed in 2007 by Canada's Conservative government, the Commission has a number of studies, including creating a comprehensive plan for preventative mental health care across Canada. I can't find the actual report, though I am looking forward to reading it when … Continue reading Changing Directions, Changing Lives: The first mental health strategy for Canada

CSC: Principles of Construction Documentation Course Highlights

As I mentioned in a previous post, my goal was to post weekly about my CSC Principles of Construction Documentation Course. I stopped because I couldn't keep up with everything I had on my plate over the spring term (I can't believe May is next week). I will post my unbiased (because my marks aren't … Continue reading CSC: Principles of Construction Documentation Course Highlights

Winners: Kaiser Permanente Small Hospital, Big Idea Competition

The winners for the Small Hospital, Big Idea Competition are Aditazz and Mazzetti Nash Lipsey Burch/ Perkins+Will (M+NLB). According to the Kaiser Permanente (KP) website, the winners were chosen for designs that: Create spaces to inspire human-to-human connection and collaboration Include civic spaces that blur the boundaries between the community and the traditional hospital setting Bring nature … Continue reading Winners: Kaiser Permanente Small Hospital, Big Idea Competition

Healthcare Architect Certification by the American College of Healthcare Architects

What is a specialty certification worth? I have my LEED AP, I will be a licensed architect, and I'm considering getting a specification designation such as a CSP (Certified Specification Practitioner). I'm all for studying to take the exams to get my credentials, the problem is maintaining my credentials with Continuing Education (CE). As I … Continue reading Healthcare Architect Certification by the American College of Healthcare Architects

CSC: Principles of Construction Documentation Course – Modules 2 & 3a

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am discussing what I'm learning in my CSC Principles of Construction Documentation course. In our second week of classes, we've learned about the responsibilities and roles of the people involved, and about bid documents. I have to say the CSC course information is pretty useful for general … Continue reading CSC: Principles of Construction Documentation Course – Modules 2 & 3a

Call for Papers: The Architecture of the Psychiatric Milieu

The Therapeutic Landscapes Network has linked to a Call for Papers: The Architecture of the Psychiatric Milieu for the peer review journal Facilities. From the post: Facilities for psychiatric care have a tradition of standardization in design and treatment dating back to the moral treatment paradigm of the 1850s. As normative approaches to psychiatric care … Continue reading Call for Papers: The Architecture of the Psychiatric Milieu