The role that furniture plays in our lives has changed dramatically with the advent of laptop computers and especially tablets and smart phones. Add to that the fact that the world doesn't need as many offices because of those devices and it is easy to see why the industry has had to reinvent itself.
Here is a press release from Steelcase that makes that point:
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PHOENIX, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nurture® by Steelcase
has earned a fifth prestigious Nightingale Award in six years, this time for
its new furniture system, Regard™, at the annual Healthcare Design 2012
Conference.
The competition is purposed with promoting and recognizing
product design that contributes to the quality of healthcare, and focuses on
functionality, quality, aesthetics, environmental sustainability and
pricing. A distinguished panel of
interior designers and architects that specialize in healthcare design judge the
products. The 2012 Nightingale Awards honor new evidence-based, innovative
healthcare products introduced to the U.S. market since November 2011.
Nurture's observations and evidenced-based research conclude
that transitional moments are missed opportunities to improve patient
satisfaction and enhance the relationship between provider and patient. Regard
addresses these insights through a single solution – a functional line of
modular seating, casegood elements, space division, power, tables, and even
planters. As an integrated system, the
goal is to provide thoughtful applications that promote useful transitional
experiences.
"Individuals have a desire to be more productive with
personal devices. They also have a desire to be educated in their medical care.
We're honored to be recognized for a product that addresses the
moment-by-moment needs of people in common spaces," said Kyle Williams,
vice president and general manager of Nurture. "This paradigm shift
regarding in-between times is expected to have a positive effect on the patient
experience now and in the future."
Regard makes common areas more productive in a patient's
healthcare journey. It is designed for transition times that are often
frustrating for patients and family members, and fail to reflect the intentions
and brand promise of the healthcare provider.
By empowering patients and their loved ones with choice
within common spaces, users of Regard are enabled to experience learning,
interpersonal connections, productive activity, and relaxation. And this type of environment could impact a
person's ability to absorb critical information.
"Whether through self-learning, group learning, or a
patient-doctor meeting, Regard creates spaces that help people focus on what's
important," Williams added. "We believe that having a better
understanding and adherence to health instructions can positively affect
patient satisfaction and experiences."
Another consideration for care providers is safe, functional
environments that are easy to keep clean and properly arranged to promote infection
control. Designed with crumb sweeps and minimal cracks and crevices, Regard
prevents build up that often leads to infection. In addition, seats, which see
the most abuse, can be replaced in seconds without tools.
From a functionality perspective, Regard's modular
components connect to a robust, patent-pending frame system with a single tool.
In addition, all components are elevated from the floor, eliminating redundant
legs and structure often found in ganged seating, individual furniture components,
and built-in space division (such as half height drywall elements). The system
also allows for the re-configurability and replacement of components. Extreme
testing considers bariatric loads in all seats of the island application.
Flexible power locations, integrated tables, and casegood elements provide
space and function for users seeking technology in order to be productive.
Product applications range from supporting intimacy to
separating strangers without going so far as to isolate them. Island planning
divides space, while forming intimate or group functional settings. A booth
setting welcomes users into a microenvironment, one that is private without
being closed off for users. Seating is well-ordered and addresses the needs of
the growing senior and bariatric populations as well as children and those who
rely on wheelchairs, adding a sense of security for more vulnerable patients.
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