Date of Submission
Spring 5-7-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Pegah Zamani, PhD
Secondary Advisor
Joshua Robinson, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
Abstract
The emergency department (ED) is often internalized, cut off from the natural world, and structured around efficiency, despite its effect on patient health. It’s a critical healthcare setting where patients seek immediate medical attention for a wide range of conditions, often under circumstances of extreme stress and urgency. Efficient patient care within the ED is paramount to ensuring positive outcomes, yet the question remains: Can emergency department design optimize efficiency without compromising the experience of patients and staff? Given the pivotal role of EDs in healthcare delivery, it is essential to strike a balance that ensures efficient patient care processes, streamlines staff workflows, and offers a welcoming, healing environment. This study examines various architectural, layout, technological, and human-centered design interventions that align with the principles of efficiency while simultaneously fostering a positive and therapeutic atmosphere. The research aims to identify best practices, innovative solutions, and feedback mechanisms that can guide future ED design, ultimately improving the overall experience for all stakeholders and facilitating more effective and compassionate emergency care delivery.