Can past aesthetics interfere with future innovations?

VISION

DR. VERENA KAATZ
Senior Consultant in General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery
Evangelical Hospital Cologne-Kalk

Deep Dive

1) When does a surface fascinate you?

What fascinates me about a surface can be its color. Nature offers an incredible richness of nuances – for example, the subtle greys of a granite slab. But equally important to me is the sensation of touch. I appreciate smooth surfaces – whether it’s the cool elegance of marble or the warmth of wood. This range of sensory impressions never ceases to captivate me.

2) What surface design do you feel is missing?

Unfortunately, those who work in hospitals – whether in operating theatres or on the wards – are rarely consulted. Naturally, strict hygiene standards must be met. Beyond that, however, standard solutions are often applied: simple colour coding for different departments and floors.
I would love to see more refined combinations, though nothing overly detailed or visually distracting. It should be timeless and evoke positive associations. For patients, my workplace is often a place associated with fear. I imagine soft pastel tones, harmoniously blended – for example, various shades of blue that together create a soothing, calming atmosphere.

3) One room. One surface. What do you choose?

What comes to mind is my warm, almost soft wooden floor. The feeling of walking over it barefoot is something that brings me joy every time.

4) What is your vision of future surface design?

Surfaces that leave no trace – whether smooth and glossy or soft and matte. If materials existed that were so inert that they would never need to be cleaned – no matter what touched them – I would find that truly impressive.