Looking Back On 25 Years Of The Healthcare Design Showcase - HCD Magazine

Sara O. Marberry chronicles the evolution of Healthcare Design magazine's annual Design Showcase over 25 years, documenting transformative trends in healthcare architecture and facility design.

The article traces how healthcare design has evolved from basic healing environments to sophisticated, evidence-based facilities that prioritize patient experience, cultural relevance, and biophilic design. Early showcases emphasized innovation and forward-thinking concepts, while later editions reflected economic constraints, sustainability concerns, and the impact of changing care delivery models. The pandemic years marked a shift toward flexibility, virtual collaboration, and wellness-focused community spaces.

• Evidence-based design became standard practice, incorporating research-driven decisions about patient rooms, wayfinding, and staff workflow optimization
• International projects gained recognition, expanding from primarily U.S.-centric submissions to global healthcare design innovations
• Biophilic design and indoor-outdoor integration emerged as key trends, with facilities incorporating natural materials, daylight access, and landscape connectivity
• Specialized populations received increased attention, particularly pediatric and behavioral health facilities designed for specific community needs and cultural contexts