Putting well-being at the centre

Established in 2019 as a centre of excellence, the Swiss Center for Design and Health (SCDH) focuses solely on the healthcare sector. Its goals: to network, research and support.

Fotos: Marco Frauchiger
In cooperation with the Swiss Center for Design and Health

Established in 2019 as a centre of excellence, the Swiss Center for Design and Health (SCDH) focuses solely on the healthcare sector. Its goals: to network, research and support.

There is nothing unusual about construction site noise at the Swiss Center for Design and Health (SCDH). That’s because building work is still in progress two and a half years after the team moved in. Grappling with design processes is in the Nidau-based centre of excellence’s DNA. Draft new-build and refurbishment projects, visual communication concepts, processes and systems are evaluated in the brightly lit industrial building. The maximum available space for these activities is 2,500 square metres. Work focuses on the health sector. Designs created here are intended to promote well-being. «We give project managers a neutral space in which to discuss things from various perspectives and broadly test ideas,» says Managing Director Stefan Sulzer from his office on a gallery level above the lobby. The glass fronts give him a view of much of the premises. «Professors and practitioners work together as equals here,» he says, talking not only about the 30 or so employees with backgrounds in different disciplines and professions.

Public-private partnership

Sulzer is also referring to the people who use the services and offerings provided by the centre of excellence. The SCDH links up, supports and advises business, science and public-sector players. It conducts workshops, operates test facilities, partners with higher education institutions, initiates research work and runs continuing education courses. It is where planners, designers, scientists and users meet and benefit from the wide-ranging design expertise on offer. «Anyone who works in a hospital or school knows plenty about its processes and pathways,» says Sulzer, before explaining that it pays off to incorporate this practical knowledge into simulations at an early stage. «That way you can avoid expensive mistakes during construction and the need for subsequent modifications.«Moreover, taking account of users’ needs increases project acceptance.

The SCDH was founded in 2019 as a public-private partnership. It is funded by the Confederation, Canton of Bern and private partners and operates as a company limited by shares. It has been in operation since 2022 and is due to become self-supporting from 2030. «Nidau is the ideal location,» Sulzer says. «And not just because of the transport links.» Its location between the German- and French-speaking parts of Switzerland makes it an enriching place to be. «It gets you to look beyond your own part of the country.» And in fact there are German and French speakers in the SCDH team.

It is a well-documented scientific fact that design has an impact on health. The SCDH plays a role in helping these findings make their way into real-world use. «We take an evidence-based approach and engage in knowledge transfer,» says Head of Research Minou Afzali see «The Holy Grail of design methodology», page 10. She and her team contribute research findings to projects. They evaluate ongoing work and publish the results. The centre of excellence partners with universities, associations, foundations and private-sector partners. It has a Scientific Board and International Advisory Board. «We are in regular dialogue, discuss current topics and take up relevant issues,» says Afzali.

1 Realistic testing spaces
The Living Lab is a place where spaces can be reproduced, designed, fitted out and tested. As a result, it is possible to simulate working and treatment processes and test products in a realistic spatial environment. The testing spaces are a platform for simulation and research and a showroom for manufacturers.

2 Kitchen/Catering
The Living Lab has a kitchen and catering area – ideal for lunch or a break during work.

3 Open space area
A collection of modelling equipment, domestic sewing machines, and printers that people from outside the SCDH can rent and use.

4 Materials collection
The collection, which exists in physical and digital form, is an index of materials found on the basis of scientific evidence to promote health and conserve resources. The SCDH’s intention is thus to provide a tool that planners, designers and architects can use to select suitable materials more easily and obtain an in-depth understanding of the materials and how they are used.

5 Extended-Reality Simulation Area
Switzerland’s biggest extended-reality simulation area, where floor plans can be projected onto the floor at full size and augmented by lightweight partitions and furnishings. Spaces that exist only on paper take on three-dimensional form and floor plans become something people can walk through and experience at first-hand. They are tested and optimised with all stakeholder groups in simulation workshops.

6 Testing systems
The testing systems provide a way of investigating the effect of factors such as light, colour, acoustics and the feel of surfaces under controlled and reproducible conditions or of verifying accessibility. The testing systems can be reconfigured and reequipped to suit the assignment or research issue.

7 Metalworking shop
A well-equipped metalworking shop supports the SCDH’s services and research projects and facilitates co-prototyping.

8 Woodworking shop
The Living Lab includes a woodworking shop that is equipped to professional standards. Here test or simulation environments can be adapted to the project question and ideas for innovations can be implemented.


1 Realistic testing spaces
2 Kitchen/Catering
3 Open space area
4 Materials collection
5 Extended-Reality Simulation Area
6 Testing systems
7 Metalworking shop
8 Woodworking shop

Minou Afzali guides us through the Living Lab and four testing spaces that are currently set up there. These are used to test spatial concepts, innovations from start-ups and various materials. Depending on the project, materials may have to satisfy other requirements. For example, static electricity must not be permitted to build up and discharge in operating theatres. «The floor has to be capable of controlled dissipation to protect the people and equipment in the theatre,» says Barbara Schwärzler, interior architect and colour designer. Schwärzler has various samples at her workstation and points to a blue-grey floor covering, which would be particularly suitable. Finding the right material is time-consuming work, she says. «A good network and specialist knowledge help a lot.» Schwärzler and design researcher Meri Zirkelbach are responsible for building up the SCDH materials collection. The aim is to work with suppliers and users to bring together a collection of products that have proven successful in healthcare buildings. They attach particular value to innovation. The first collection should be available digitally, as well as physically in Nidau, from the beginning of 2025 and will be continually expanded see «Materials collection», page 7.

Everything under one roof
The SCDH can also create its own prototypes. Its workshops in Nidau are equipped to work with wood, metal, plastic, textiles and cardboard. «The pathways are short,» says Co-Head of Workshops and qualified cabinet maker Raphael Huber. As a result, the team can respond quickly when something has to be modified for a test or simulation. Moreover, ideas for innovations can be implemented in a straightforward, efficient way. The physical proximity of the individual units is truly unique, Raphael Huber tells us as we walk through the workshops. «That proximity is inspiring and gives rise to interesting things.» For example, a direction board has been created by gluing sheet metal onto wooden boards. The metal is magnetic so that the signage can be changed. «Different engineering skills and abilities come into play alongside each other,» Raphael Huber says.

The SCDH could not function without its workshops, says Stefan Sulzer. «They help ensure that we can provide professional and efficient support for design processes.» He does not feel the SCDH is a competitor to private companies, since it does not develop marketable products. «There should be much more simulation,» Sulzer concludes. The interdisciplinary and participatory approach always yields better results. It is his opinion that the method should become an established part of complex projects in particular, as an additional tool in the planning process.

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