Following Nature’s Lead to Wellness
Carolyn Ames Noble is the Principal of Ames Design Collective in the Atlanta area and a Past Chair of ASID. Her firm uses WELL principles to promote human and environmental well-being through interiors and product designs—an approach that drew her to Durasein’s combination of natural patterns and high-performance antimicrobial surfaces. See how she envisions Durasein’s role in using biophilic design for wellness in this interview from Healthcare Design Magazine.
Innovation is critical to advance healthcare. What role does innovation play in the design of healthcare spaces?
CAROLYN AMES NOBLE
Innovation is key to healthcare. One powerful example in healthcare design innovation is found through the learnings gained in neuroscience and evidence- based design. A specific case of evidence-based design in action focuses on a patient’s exposure to nature or natural elements. It has been found that a patient who has this interaction with biophilic design may heal faster. This user-based data and research can be implemented to create healthcare spaces that promote holistic well-being.
In what ways does Durasein work to innovate its product lines?
CAROLYN AMES NOBLE
Durasein looks to innovate its product lines by a composition that is two-thirds natural minerals and one-third high performance acrylic resin and pigments. The result is a material that is quite “stone-like” yet able to be shaped with standard woodworking tools. The material can be fabricated for any surface, shape or form, allowing for maximum creativity and flexibility. This flexibility also extends to product/colorway development. We view Solid Surface as a truly limitless material. Our newest innovation centers around replicating the look of marble in several new patterns, combining the timeless elegant veining with the features and creative flexibility of Durasein.
What are clients asking for when it comes to innovation in healthcare surfaces?
CAROLYN AMES NOBLE
Architects and designers seek a seamless surface that is antimicrobial and antibacterial. Durability is another key to make sure a product that is specified is long-lasting and functional.
Can you give us an example of a product innovation you’re proud of?
CAROLYN AMES NOBLE
We are proud of the new u003ca href=u0022https://durasein.com/ara/us/product/sun-kissed/u0022u003eSun Kissedu003c/au003e Colorway aesthetic at Durasein. Sun Kissed is our interpretation of the golden hour, where the quality of light renders warm undertones so exquisitely. Copper threads are burnished through a field of opaline. This colorway would transcend very well into healthcare, with the clean color field and warm, welcoming tone.
How would you describe the “hospital of the future”?
CAROLYN AMES NOBLE
In my purview, what if the hospital of the future is not just relegated to treat illness, but instead repositioned to also promote well-being? An interior design can support this type of nurturing environment through biophilic design, and the use of inviting organic colors and patterns.
