Shown above: Iceland by Jill Malek in the Northern Lights colorway, featured as a glass-clad wall in a healthcare waiting lobby.
Welcome to Skyline’s Glass Design Trends Report, where we will focus on what is happening in architectural glass. In this article, we cover glass specified in healthcare spaces.
Smart Glass, Smarter Healthcare
Smart glass technology continues to lead in smart design. Switchable privacy glass is increasingly used to provide adaptable privacy in healthcare environments, such as infusion bays, ICU doors, and patient room viewing windows. This product has the capacity to replace infrequently cleaned patient room curtains to enhance privacy while helping reduce Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), cleaning and maintenance costs.
Smart Glass is ideal for healthcare, due to the flexible privacy and clarity needed, particularly in ICU and patient room viewing windows.
Explore Skyline’s Switchable Glass Solutions
Nature-Inspired Aesthetics
Neuroinclusive glass patterns are trending in a major way in utilizing realistic nature imagery and becoming even more popular is abstract nature-inspired imagery. Architects and designers are turning to nature-inspired motifs for wall cladding, space division, feature walls and headwalls to create calm environments that connect patients, family members and staff to the outdoors. At Skyline, we’re expanding our Patterned Glass Library with art-forward nature imagery that supports wellness-focused interiors.
View Nature-Inspired Collections
Sustainable Design is Non-Negotiable
The industry remains focused on materials that reflect sustainable and circular design practices. Glass, being highly recyclable and long-lasting, is an intuitive fit. Skyline incorporates environmentally responsible production methods in our custom architectural glass, helping clients meet sustainability mandates without compromising aesthetics.
Artful Wayfinding
Collections of Artwork for Healing + Wayfinding
While soft neutrals continue to dominate clinical palettes, visually engaging artwork is making a comeback as a space-making tool using custom printed glass graphics. These memorable elements are being used in elevator corridors, waiting areas, and feature walls to aid wayfinding, boost mood, and support branding initiatives in hospitals and clinics.
Rush University Medical Center
Final Thought
The 2025 healthcare design landscape demands solutions that are innovative, clean, and support emotional health. At Skyline, we’re proud to lead the way—developing architectural glass that serves both the functional demands of healthcare and the emotional needs of the people who use these spaces every day.
Let’s design a healthier future together.
