Herman Miller Healthcare is demonstrating its commitment to problem-solving and evidence-based design principles for the development of healthcare products and their applications within clinical environments with a sponsored product display in the recently unveiled DuPont Corian Design Studio. The New York-based, 5000-square-foot space provides an interactive environment for architects and designers seeking a variety of innovative product solutions and design materials.
"The Design Studio provides us the opportunity to discuss with customers the latest material advancements, particularly with Corian, available for healthcare furnishings," says Jill Joseph, Design lead, Herman Miller Healthcare.
The company is showcasing an Ethospace nurses' station specified by Herman Miller Healthcare designer Cathy Murtha and outfitted with Corian work surfaces and custom fascia fabricated by DuPont's top surface solutions provider Evans and Paul.
Joseph explains that Corian is an ideal product for healthcare: "Infection control is a top concern for healthcare facilities," she says, "and since Corian is an impermeable, cleanable material, it's ideal to use in healthcare applications, especially in "high-touch" zones such as work surfaces, counters and walls, which typically are difficult areas to keep clean."
Since working with Evans and Paul on a project for Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., Joseph said the interest was mutual in working together on products that could be introduced to the healthcare market.
"Corian products designed by Evans and Paul appeal to architects and designers looking for that signature look," adds Joseph. "Herman Miller's display in the Corian Design Studio demonstrates that the innovative use of materials, together with the company's approach to modularity and flexibility, can offer beautiful, durable and sustainable solutions for healthcare applications."
Suzanne Ray of Evans and Paul says Herman Miller was their first choice for the DuPont Corian Design Studio: "As pioneers in the healthcare market for over 40 years, Herman Miller Healthcare is a name and product we are proud to include with Dupont Corian, a 40-year leader in the healthcare surfacing market. Together their presence in the Design Studio will inspire broader discussions about the future of healthcare design."
The 2006 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Healthcare Facilities has defined the 18 preferred characteristics of the ideal healthcare surface to help facilitate improved infection control. Corian meets all 18 of these characteristics.
"Evans and Paul, along with the Dupont Corian Design Studio, look forward to working with Herman Miller Healthcare, not only on custom fascia applications for nurses' stations, but also on any projects where the unique properties of Corian can be applied," adds Ray.
About Herman Miller Healthcare
Herman Miller Healthcare delivers thoughtful applications to healthcare environments for the well-being and comfort of staff, patients, and their families. Its network of nurse consultants, clinical designers, and sales professionals provides research-based, problem-solving solutions to improve working and healing. Herman Miller Healthcare is a charter member of the Health Facility Institute, a sustaining member of the Coalition for Health Environments Research, and a Research Partner with the Center for Health Design. Herman Miller Healthcare is a division of Herman Miller, Inc.