References

Interview with Antje Schulzgebel, interior designer for the Vivantes Komfortklinik

On the topic of the catchword “healing architecture”, can good design boost health?
We measure the quality of design for healthcare facilities based on our knowledge of patients’ requirements and perceptions. These requirements vary considerably depending on the patients’ condition, so the design varies too. Designers who also have a strong affinity with welfare and healing can only develop the right concept in close consultation with doctors and care professionals.

What role do textiles play in healing architecture?
We know that people who are ill, in particular, associate warmth and privacy with textile materials through their sensitive, tactile experiences with them. Fabric-covered surfaces improve the acoustics within a room and convey a sense of discretion at the same time.

You have designed interiors for places such as the Vivantes Komfortklinik. What did you particularly focus on in this case?
The interdisciplinary nature of the clinic made it difficult to pinpoint the greatest common factor in terms of patient needs. We felt it was important to create a sense of order in the design of the space and thus create clarity to help patients find their way around. We can avoid any unnecessary visual stimuli by keeping contrasts to a minimum. Our aim was to incorporate technical medical components into the interior design in an inconspicuous way while also ensuring that they are intuitive to use.

Why do you use textiles from Création Baumann?
I developed a love of textile spaces in my previous job as a colour and textile designer. Création Baumann is known for quality, sustainability and superbly complementary Colorits. Colour is one of the key design elements in our projects.

Antje Schulz-Gebel, Certified Designer (MBA) www.atelier-gebel.de