Improving quality through the built environment.

State-of-the-art hospitals feature private rooms, tree-filled courtyards, fountains, family lounges and more--all in an effort to make patients and visitors more comfortable with their surroundings in a time of stress. A soothing atmosphere doesn't take a complete renovation: Many changes can be made for little investment. Such an environment does take a philosophical commitment by the entire institution, however, and that can't be changed with paint alone.