In this second episode of the EHD Podcast recorded at the European Healthcare Design 2025 Congress, we’re exploring how environments can do more than treat illness - they can actively support autonomy, resilience, and human connection.

Recorded live at EHD 2025, this episode features three guests whose work spans architecture, critical care, and place branding. Each brings a unique lens on how healthcare spaces and systems can better serve the people within them:

• Femke Feenstra (Partner, Gortemaker Algra Feenstra) introduces the concept of the Reactivating Hospital, showing how spatial design can promote movement, independence, and recovery.
• Dr Tom Best (Clinical Director, King’s College Hospital) reflects on designing under pressure, from critical care to emergency settings; and why clinicians should get involved in the process.
• Ibrahim Ibrahim (Managing Director, Portland Design) shares what healthcare can learn from retail, and how thoughtful design can help people connect emotionally to the places they go for care.
• Plus, we return to the congress floor to hear what surprised or challenged attendees during their time at EHD. Featuring Tara Veldman (Billiard Leece Partnership), Hala El Khorazaty (Perkins & Will), Stephanie Costelloe (BVN) and Neil Logan (BVN).

Learn more about the congress at europeanhealthcaredesign.eu.

Sign up for the EHD newsletter to stay updated on future events, insights, and resources: europeanhealthcaredesign.eu/newsletter-sign-up.

This episode is supported by our sponsor, Art in Site, a design studio transforming healthcare environments through integrated art, interiors, and wayfinding. Visit artinsite.co.uk to learn more.

Image credit: The Reactivating Hospital, courtesy of Gortemaker Algra Feenstra.

The European Healthcare Design podcast is produced by Urban Podcasts.