Enhancing Pharmacy Comfort and Acoustics with EcoLogix® Carpet Tile

The design of healthcare spaces, like pharmacies, plays a crucial role in the well-being and productivity of staff. Norwood Medical Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, recognized this by prioritizing both underfoot comfort and acoustical benefits in their new pharmacy design. Their choice? Shaw Contract's Diffuse carpet tile with EcoLogix® backing, a solution that not only supports the demanding roles of pharmacists but also complements the center's overarching biophilic design.

Biophilic Design Meets Practicality in Edmonton Pharmacy

Norwood Medical Centre's biophilic design philosophy aimed to bring the calming influence of the Alberta mountainscape to its urban location. This approach extended to the interior, where the specification of Diffuse carpet tile on EcoLogix® contributed to a comfortable and acoustically balanced environment for pharmacists and staff. This thoughtful design aligns with the pharmacy's function of promoting human health, creating a supportive space for those dedicated to patient care.

Beyond aesthetics, the building's design addressed the City of Edmonton’s urban revitalization goals. This included enhancing street visibility and the pedestrian experience while maintaining necessary privacy within certain areas of the medical center. The selection of durable and long-lasting materials, such as the carpet tile, was also a key consideration for this busy facility.

The Importance of Comfort and Acoustics in Pharmacy Design

For pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, the workday can be physically and emotionally taxing. Recognizing this, the architects and designers prioritized underfoot comfort and acoustic control. The spacious layout around the dispensing island allows for efficient movement, while ample storage and lighting contribute to a positive work environment.

The choice of carpet tile played a significant role in achieving these goals. Avid Architecture specified Shaw Contract's high-performance Diffuse carpet tile to address the unique demands of the behind-the-counter pharmacy space.

 EcoLogix® Carpet Tile: Engineered for Comfort and Sound Absorption

EcoLogix® backing elevates the performance of the carpet tile in several key ways. Firstly, it provides exceptional underfoot comfort, offering ergonomic benefits that can help reduce fatigue for staff who spend long hours on their feet. This cushioning is a crucial yet often unseen advantage of this type of carpet tile.

Secondly, EcoLogix® significantly improves the acoustics within the pharmacy. Sound transfer can be a critical concern in healthcare settings, impacting patient confidentiality and the ability of staff to focus. Carpet tile with EcoLogix® is designed to absorb more in-room sound compared to standard carpet tile and hard surfaces, as measured by the Sound Absorption Average (SAA) rating.

 Superior Sound Absorption with EcoLogix®

Shaw Contract carpet tile with EcoLogix® absorbs 25% more sound than polished concrete floors (which have 0% sound absorption). Even compared to EcoWorx® tile alone, which absorbs 15% of sound, EcoLogix® offers a notable improvement in acoustic performance. This enhanced sound absorption contributes to a quieter and more private environment for both staff and customers.

Sustainability and Durability Combined

An additional benefit of the Diffuse carpet tile with EcoLogix® is its sustainable composition. The backing is made from 100% post-consumer recycled PET plastic bottles. This commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with the growing importance of sustainable design in healthcare and beyond. Furthermore, EcoLogix® is engineered for exceptional durability, ensuring the carpet tile can withstand the heavy traffic of a busy medical facility.

The Norwood Medical Centre pharmacy exemplifies how thoughtful design, including the selection of pharmacy carpet tile with EcoLogix® backing, can create a comfortable, acoustically sound, and sustainable environment for healthcare professionals. By prioritizing the well-being of their staff through ergonomic support and noise reduction, they have created a workspace that truly complements their mission of promoting health. 

 CTA: Click here to learn more about the Shaw Contract pharmacy carpet tile project