Bangkok: Modern hospital design is no longer just about structural integrity, but about creating a 'healing environment' that reduces patient stress, while simultaneously providing a safe, sustainable, energy-efficient space that supports the efficient work of medical personnel 24/7.
According to Thai News Agency, TEAC (TEAC Co., Ltd.), an architectural and interior design firm specializing in Healthcare Architecture, held the 'TEAC 50th Anniversary Times of TEAC: Where Trust Was Designed' event to celebrate its 50th anniversary under the theme 'Where Trust Was Designed.' TEAC continues its experience designing over 100 hospitals and more than 200 healthcare projects, aiming to create safe, sustainable environments that prioritize the experience of patients and medical personnel. The event also announced its vision to elevate Thai hospital design to international standards, focusing on safety, sustainability, energy efficiency, and creating a positive experience for both patients and healthcare professionals.
The event was honored by the presence of Assistant Professor Kannika Wutthikosit, Chairperson of TEAC Co., Ltd., who presided over the ceremony and delivered a welcoming speech to distinguished guests and business partners. Mr. Senis Yupool, Managing Director of TEAC Co., Ltd., shared the vision and growth journey of TEAC over the past half-century. The event was also attended by the management team, employees, and business partners.
Mr. Senis Yoopool, Managing Director of TEAC Co., Ltd., stated that TEAC's success stems from the dedication of every team member and, most importantly, the trust from our clients and business partners. This trust drives us to continuously develop our designs to create medical buildings that meet the needs of functionality, safety, and the quality of life for people.
TEAC was founded in 1976 by a group of founders, with Associate Professor Uaychai Wutthikosit as one of the key figures. It started as a small design studio in the Saphan Khwai area, undertaking design projects for various types of buildings, including apartments, office buildings, educational institutions, and other public projects. A significant turning point came in 1983 when the company was selected to design Bangkok Hospital and Phya Thai 2 Hospital, a crucial step that continuously developed TEAC's expertise in Healthcare Architecture.
Over the decades, TEAC has been entrusted with the design of numerous hospitals and healthcare projects in Thailand, including those of Bangkok Hospital Group (BDMS), Samitivej Hospital Group, Phyathai Hospital Group, Ramkhamhaeng Hospital Group, Mahachai Hospital, Nakornthon Hospital, Thonburi Hospital, Rama IX Hospital, Thainakarin Hospital, and large-scale premium hospital projects such as MedPark Hospital.
Building on its expertise in Thailand, TEAC has expanded into international projects, particularly in the ASEAN region, such as at the Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and the Royal Angkor International Hospital in Cambodia.
Currently, TEAC has a cumulative portfolio of design work for more than 100 hospitals and over 200 healthcare-related projects, both in Thailand and abroad.
Mr. Senis further added that TEAC's extensive experience has given it a deep understanding of the complexities of hospital design, from layout and circulation routes to the separation of high-risk areas, designing an atmosphere that reduces patient stress, and coordinating architecture and engineering systems to meet the safety standards and requirements of modern hospitals.
In the future, TEAC aims to elevate its design practices to align with international standards, particularly environmental and energy efficiency standards such as LEED, as well as healthcare quality and safety standards such as JCI, while simultaneously developing the capabilities of its internal personnel to gain a deep understanding of Healthcare Architecture.
The event also included a special panel discussion with the TEAC team, led by Mr. Pasakorn Padungchit, Ms. Najporn Kosalanan, Ms. Aschasa Boonsri, and Mr. Pharanu Wongsunthorn, who shared their perspectives, emphasizing that even as technology and the context of hospital buildings change, TEAC has always upheld meticulous attention to detail and responsibility in its design work.
The TEAC team stated that Healthcare Architecture is not just about designing buildings, but about managing spaces that relate to people's lives 24 hours a day. This includes separating critical pathways such as emergency patient routes, food routes, and infectious waste routes to enhance safety, reduce risk, and support the efficient work of medical personnel.
"Although architects may not directly cure diseases, we believe that a positive environment can genuinely enhance the patient's treatment experience."