[Photo: Courtesy of Clarus]
Clarus Canvases
Glass dry-erase boards by Clarus improve on the traditional whiteboard for two big reasons: customizability to fit different needs, plus sanitation. One option, Wall2Wall, offers floor-to-ceiling writing surfaces; the Glide option maximizes wall space with layered glassboards; and the glass View goes from idea canvas to high-definition projector surface after the lights go down. Clarus offers seven structural designs in total for their product. The glassboard comes in more than 150 colors or incorporates a printed design with Clarus ColorDrop print technology. In a health care setting, the boards can improve communication and help maintain a sterile environment. Unlike whiteboards, which are made of a porous material that creates a breeding ground for bacteria, the glassboards are built to last a lifetime without left-behind ink and chemicals, so it’s easy to move on to the next great idea. clarus.com
[Photo: Courtesy of Steelcase]
Steelcase Health
The Embold seating and table collection, introduced by Steelcase Health at NeoCon 2018, is a leader when it comes to helping health care facilities create comfortable and welcoming waiting areas. The collection won Best of NeoCon Gold in the Healthcare Guest and Lounge Seating category thanks to an inviting look, expressive design, and strong durability. The collection offers a variety of furniture sizes in either wood or metal frames, and the company pays close attention to its materials. They rigorously assess the chemistry of potential materials, maintain an ongoing test of their supply chain, and get rid of any problematic finds. They also partner with programs that help extend a product’s life through reuse, recycling, refurbishing, and donation. steelcase.com
[Photo: Courtesy of Cama]
CAMAflage
When award-winning interior designer Rosalyn Cama and her team set out to replace the traditional patient-cubicle curtain, they considered two conflicting health care needs. While patients and their loved ones seek privacy, health care professionals favor transparency for safety and visibility. After studying contemporary and historical options, from louvers to shoji screens, Cama was most intrigued with the sturdy-yet-translucent properties of glass. Collaborating with Skyline Design, Cama designed CAMAflage glass to have the flexibility of fabric without the drawbacks of conventional curtains—which are often unsanitary, flimsy, and sound-porous. The CAMAflage line comes in three patterns, each inspired by natural landscapes that help create a calming environment to facilitate wellness. Patterns can be customized to meet needs, and Skyline offers a spectrum of transparency options, leaving the balance between privacy and visibility to buyers’ discretion. A glass gradient “dignity layer” can also be added to the top, middle, or bottom of any pattern. skydesign.com
[Photo: Courtesy of SmartVue]
SmartVue Natural Light Solution
Veritas’ SmartVue windows systems were designed in hopes of cultivating a more uplifting environment in cancer treatment centers for both patients and staff. With controlling radiation leakage the biggest priority in construction, many treatment centers are designed in an undesirable bunker fashion—an approach that has now been widely accepted within the industry. With SmartVue windows, centers can offer a view outside, flooding treatment rooms with natural lighting. When treatments begin and the lights dim, the SmartVue window frosts over and radiation shielding slides into place behind the glass. The shielding then retracts and the glass clears when treatment finishes and lights return. The SmartVue windows are offered as Full Bay, Partial Bay, or in a Light Well design, which creates a natural view for below-ground installations. veritas-medicalsolutions.com
[Photo: Courtesy of SmartFlower Solar]
SmartFlower Solar System
Inspired by nature, SmartFlower improves on the conventional rooftop solar system with panels that mimic blooming flower petals. Each morning as the sun rises, the SmartFlower’s panels unfold, revealing the design of a flower in blossom. Throughout the day, the panels continue to follow the sun, moving automatically across two axes. While traditional rooftop systems only get optimum sunlight for a few hours, the SmartFlower continuously adjusts its angle, tracking the light to get the most out of the day—and creating up to 40% more energy production. The system is designed to adjust to more than the sun, too. Sensors monitor wind speeds, and the system folds itself into a secure position during bad weather. The system is even self-cleaning; when the “flower” opens, tiny brushes on the panel backs brush the next panel. That way, the system starts the day clean, free of dust, dirt, and even snow. The SmartFlower Plus also stores excess energy to be used later, and the system can be used to power electric vehicles. smartflowersolar.com
