Review Article Nanotechnology Applications in Interior Design of Hospitals

Abstract

Interior finishes are very important aspects of the healthcare facilities environment. Floors and walls coverings are major elements that play a role to keep a healthy environment inside spaces of hospitals. Thus, it is necessary to be the priority to the criteria of selection finishing materials during the design process. Finishing materials and its properties are considered one of the most factor impacted on the interior design at hospitals. Especially, in critical areas at hospitals need specific finishes characteristics, such as surgical, Intensive Care, Emergency, and Inpatient Units. Healthcare facilities are required special specification for interior spaces and finishing materials to prevent problems as moisture penetration, water infiltration, and the growth of mildew and mold that this is considered as some of several elements responsible for occurring Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs). This study aims to suggest the best building interior design considerations for improving the comfort and the satisfaction of healthcare patients and occupants in their working environments and to prevent the transmission of diseases in hospitals. Based on this purpose, this article set the nano-materials to evaluate it and search for its achieving that purpose. Nano-materials play an important role in hygienic design in interior spaces. In this scope, the main inquiry is that which kinds of Nano-materials or its applications are the best choices for the interior design especially in critical areas of hospitals? The goal of this study was to determine if nano-materials can be significantly effective in enhancing the interior design of healthcare facilities, by improving the performance of the finishing materials and reduce the damages and problems occurring during their life cycle. The librarian searching and tests results from nano companies labs are used to achieve this aim. It was concluded that nano-materials used in interior finishing materials are classified into two groups. One is used to solve the problems of traditional materials that contribute to the transmission of infection as they have characteristics that limit the occurrence of problems of different finishing materials that occur in hospitals and also reduce the existence of the bacteria, mold and fungi on the surface and prevent the existence of environment suitable for its growth, while the other is used in cleaning and disinfection and reduce the risks of chemicals hazards that emit harmful gases that affect human health. Thus, the use of nanotechnology helps to maintain a healthy environment in hospitals.