Research highlights 1) This paper explains how EBD principles in the design of an academic hospital were inte-grated in the design 2) Design solutions, based on EBD principles, were integrated on different scale levels.

A PhD study was carried out on comfort and health of workers in outpatient areas because hos-pital workers are generally less satisfied with comfort than patients and outpatient areas were understudied. To better understand differences in preferences and satisfaction of individuals, profiles were produced with Two-Step Cluster analysis, based on a questionnaire, responded by 556 outpatient workers, and building inspection of six hospital locations. Thereafter, interviews were performed to explain the preferences. As the COVID-19 pandemic started after produc-tion of the profiles, changes due to de pandemic were included. A gap between preferences and satisfaction was identified for all profiles. Also, those with similar preferences for social comfort (privacy, interaction, distraction) performed similar activities. Contact with others was for all profiles important, while satisfaction was overall high before the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the shift to digital care during the COVID-19 pandemic, impoverished interaction was a main concern of the outpatient workers. In conclusion the profiles for social comfort show that preferences for social comfort are associated with work-related aspects and can change. The profiles may open a new horizon to accommodate for flexibility and variety beyond standardized solutions.

Highlights: Future elderly are willing to share facilities and take care of each other, as long as they do not have to help others with getting dressed, washing or going to bed. The preferences for ways of living and receiving care vary largely between future elderly. Concepts for shared living are elaborated that may contribute to suitable environments that fit with the specific needs of future elderly.