A shared space for families in a children’s hospital.

Abstract

This article presents a research and design project undertaken to develop a shared space for families and healthcare professionals in a children’s hospital. For space development, the design team conceived the Minimum Viable Prototype Lab, a participatory design workshop. The use of minimum resources was the backbone of the workshop, as participants would focus on functional or atmospheric requirements to design an Acoustic Cabin and a Proximity Room. The use of cardboard sets helped the users focus on functional requirements. High-quality renderings and floor plans were used to generate discussion about space atmospheres. We share the resulting prototypes and the benefits for getting different points of view. We also discuss the role of images, drawings, and renderings to inform the perception and possibilities of space.