Background: In 2029, the Ghent university hospital aspires to start using a new hospital building for all nursing wards. However, it was unclear what the lay-out and size of these nursing wards should be. In order to determine the optimal ward design, several aspects should be taken into account, such as the future nursing care model, future evolutions and developments, legal and environmental boundaries, etc. Aim(s): The aim of this study was to identify how architecture can help the nursing department to stimulate the core qualities of a university hospital: care, research and education. Methods: A Five-Phased study was used to determine the ward design. Amongst others, an extensive literature review of 12226 papers about nursing models, the challenges for nursing and nursing architecture was conducted. Through an iterative process of expert consultation, focus groups and brainstorm sessions, different elements were combined in order to determine the guidelines for a new nursing ward. Results: The new nursing ward has 12 beds (per unit), with a partial radial structure. This lay-out was the most optimal choice in supporting the possible nursing care model of primary or modular nursing. Furthermore, this small, standardized type of unit also provides the possibility to scale up if needed, or change the care trajectories of patients in a fast and fluent matter (i.e. in case of pandemic). Discussion: There is no clear-cut answer on which design fits best for the nursing ward of the future. Each hospital should take into account their vision and strategic choices concerning nursing care in the design of a new hospital with the use of stakeholders. Implications and future perspectives: Before designing a nursing ward, main principles and care values need to be determined in order to facilitate decision-making.

Background: Research has shown the impact of hospital design on patient outcomes. There is a growing body of evidence how a patient room should look like from the designers, professional or patients point of view. However little research has brought the perspectives of these three user groups together. Aim: This paper aimed to describe the stepped process of stakeholders involvement when designing a patient room. Methods: A three phased study was set-up. First, based on literature, regulation and designer experiences, eight discrete choices were developed concerning the design of the patient room. Second, professionals, patients and visitors took part in an online video-animated survey representing the discrete choices. Subsequently, in a third phase, two mock up rooms were built to assess the functionality. Focus group session were conducted with purposively selected participants. Discussion: To involve the stakeholders’ perspectives into the development process is a time consuming approach. It contributes to identify principles on which patients’ and professionals’ preferences are based. It also enhanced the professionals’ commitment.