Chapter 14 Commercial Interior Design Applications 489 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Over the years, designer contributions to family and visitor satisfaction focus on improving the family zone environment in the patient room. Family zones may include overnight sleeping areas with privacy, Inter- net access, personal televisions, expanded seating options, and bathing facilities. A second family retreat space is an improved visitor lounge that increases privacy by giving the family an area they can essentially “take over.” A retreat space with views to the outdoors and plenty of natural light helps link the interior and exterior environments of the facility. Other provisions, such as a kitchenette for bever- ages and food, a seating area with Internet access, a child’s play area, and background music all contribute to a soothing and satisfying family experience. Designing spaces specifi cally for families and visitors contributes to satisfying patients and making the healing environ- ment as comfortable as possible. The integration of family areas into the medical/surgi- cal/intermediate care patient room is now a standard. This makes centralized family waiting rooms almost obsolete except on specialty units, such as oncology. Designers are creating smaller niches for families to fi nd respite. Most hospitals are also integrating family areas into critical-care rooms, although with some staff resistance. Family waiting rooms in critical-care areas are still a requirement for additional family members and children. Hospitals consistently include family sleeper sofas, many with blanket/pillow storage in the patient rooms. Also, additional folding chairs or ottomans are helpful to accommodate multiple visitors. Post-occupancy evalu- ations show less use for a desk surface—movable tables have far more utility for laptops and family dining. Computer web access is increasing for patients and family. Hospitals are integrating both television and Internet access into fl at screen monitors for patient and family use. This can include medical education programming, movies on demand, and music services. Because family members also bring their own electronic devices, including areas to charge these devices are also a concern. Safety and Security If an emergency arises, patients often have limits on their ability to leave the building on their own. Therefore, the facility design must include an area for the protection of occupants within the facility itself. In an emergency, staff members quickly move patients to an adjacent, smoke-resistant compartment until fi re personnel arrive on the scene. Courtesy of Herman Miller, Inc./Ethospace Nurses Station/Designer: Jack Kelly Figure 14-7 Caregivers require quiet places away from lounges and conference rooms for concentrated work and respite along with spaces for collaboration. Courtesy of Herman Miller, Inc./Compass System, Caregiver Alcove Application/Designer Gianfranco Zaccai