R07 – Empathy as a Design Strategy: Creating S.P.A.C.E. for People With Chronic Conditions
It’s time to move beyond awareness and take action. People living with chronic conditions deserve healthcare environments that foster dignity, comfort, wellness, and inclusion. Yet too often, the physical spaces meant to support healing unintentionally exacerbate symptoms and create barriers to care. As designers, we have both the power and responsibility to advocate for meaningful, positive change.
This session introduces the S.P.A.C.E. Framework, a research-informed decision-making toolkit inspired by lived experiences as patients, caregivers, and healthcare Architects. S.P.A.C.E. stands for Supportive Tools, Physical Spaces, Amenities, Care Policies, and Empathy—five pillars that transform healthcare planning and programming from functional to compassionate.
By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with tools to foster meaningful conversations with stakeholders and identify design considerations to enhance the experience of patients, providers, and staff living with chronic conditions. By adopting this framework, we can design healthcare spaces that ensure individuals feel seen, heard, and supported, creating a future where empathy and innovation lead to healing and hope. Join us to explore actionable strategies, gain real-world insights, and contribute to advancing more inclusive healthcare design.
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