Herman Miller Healthcare at the ASHE-PDC International Summit

Healthcare. It’s a topic that’s vital to all of us. But some lose track of the fact that healthcare almost always gets delivered in a facility—hospital, clinic, doctor’s office. The recent 2010 ASHE-PDC International Summit on Health Facility Planning, Design and Construction in San Diego put the focus on the places where healthcare happens. As you can imagine, there was a lot to hear and see.

As to hearing, there was a lineup of buzz-worthy keynote and plenary speakers. They included former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and former Air Force fighter pilot Brian Shul, whose aircraft was shot down over Vietnam. They, and CEO of the American Hospital Association Richard J. Umbdenstock, tackled issues related to navigating healthcare transformation and how to respond to them.

As to seeing, a big highlight was the Gallery of Architecture for Health. It showcased cutting-edge healthcare design trends from over 200 exhibitors from around the country. Front and center in the exhibit hall, Herman Miller Healthcare displayed a range of product solutions from our family of healthcare brands:

Nemschoff—Brooklyn Lounge and Patient Chair, Bedford Casegoods, Sleepover Bench and Serenity III Treatment Chair

Brandrud—Centé and Nala Patient Chairs

Herman Miller Healthcare—Aeron Stool, Decentralized Caregiver Workstation, Mobile Technology and Procedure/Supply Carts

If you missed the Summit, you can get a look at many of these products next month at the AONE Annual Meeting and Exposition in Indianapolis, IN.

Putting a Texture on the Intangible at Healthcare Design 09

Today I picked up a brick and threw it across a parking lot. Maybe you crushed a sheet of aluminum foil? Your daughter might have let a pawful of sand fall through her fingers, or your best friend might be crawling around on a shag carpet right now.

Almost every material or object has a texture. These items and surfaces are tangible. They have weight, density, and a composite quality. We have tactile reactions to products and artifacts that can be drivers for our purchasing decisions and triggers for memories.

But can an experience have a texture? Does a conversation or a presentation have a tactile signature? How might we qualify the interactions and knowledge shared at a conference?
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