The cardiovascular intensive care unit at Methodist Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., delivers care to pediatric patients, ranging in age from newborn to those in their 20s, with severe heart problems, such as congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure.
When the opportunity arose to expand the unit, the healthcare organization wanted to not only increase services and clinical care spaces but introduce a new interior design identity that could help relieve patients’ stress and bring support and comfort to families who may spend many months in treatment.
As this industry knows, balancing a non-institutional setting with the operational and clinical care needs of a healthcare facility is not without its challenges. Here, the solution features a mix of soft finishes and wood tones, soothing colors, decorative lighting, integrated artwork, and comfortable furnishings. The finished project earned the top Platinum Award in Healthcare Design’s inaugural Interior Design Competition.
“I can’t imagine having to bring your child in for this level of care, but I would argue that this space is doing what we all hope to do with space, [to] comfort, support, and promote healing and vitality,” noted one of the competition jurors.
It’s exactly the kind of excellence in healthcare interior design that we aim to celebrate in HCD’s new awards program. Our special section features the three projects chosen for Silver, Gold, and top Platinum honors, including project narratives, images, and juror comments on what stood out most on these award-winning designs.
Turning the pages of our May issue, you’ll find even more interior design insights and inspiration, including Dayton Children’s Hospital’s flight-inspired theme for its new outpatient specialty care building and Kaiser Permanente’s community art-infused medical office and counseling clinic in Los Angeles’ Watts neighborhood
As the healthcare landscape continues to shift and patients increasingly shop around for the care facility they think best meets their needs and preferences, interior design’s role in delivering inviting and supportive environments for all is as vital as ever. The work and strategies featured in this issue show the right path forward.
Anne DiNardo is editor-in-chief of Healthcare Design and can be reached at [email protected].
