EARL SWENSSON ASSOCIATES, INC
The firm's role on the project: Architect and interior designer
Project Mission and Vision
The 227,128-square-foot hospital is noteworthy because of the considerable number of evidence-based design principles incorporated within one hospital to create a healing, yet efficient environment. The facility is designed to enhance patient care as well as staff/patient efficiencies.
A grand stair and a two-story waterwall add visual interest and function in the dramatic four-story atrium lobby, which is filled with natural light. Large windows are throughout the public spaces and in the patient rooms and in staff work areas for the benefit of daylighting and orientation. The building, in fact, is purposely oriented to improve exposure to light, nature and views of the wooded setting and a scenic lake.
In addition to daylighting, some other features supporting EBD principles include accommodations for family members in patient rooms; intuitive wayfinding and signage to reduce patient and family stress; easily accessible information points in public areas; decentralized support areas on patient units; outboard toilets allowing staff visibility to patient beds from corridor; handrails between patient bed and bath;intereconnecting and bridging of patient care units for increased efficiency; and positive distractions.