Respect for People: A Perspective Shift in the AEC Industry for Healthcare Projects

Words Matter

In the AEC industry, we often use the term "bed towers" to describe healthcare projects—a phrase that focuses solely on the structure. In healthcare, these are called patient towers—spaces filled with stories of hope, healing, and lives saved.

The Power of Language in AEC

How we talk about the spaces we design and build, shapes how we think about their purpose. Referring to them as patient towers shifts the focus back to the people—patients, families, and caregivers—who rely on these buildings for care. If you work on healthcare projects, I encourage you to be intentional with your words and call them patient towers. Let’s ensure the humanity of our work is front and center, keeping respect for people at the heart of every project.

Encouraging a Culture of Respect

Together, we can build more than just facilities—we can build spaces that honor the lives within them.