PHOTO TOUR: Dayton Children’s Hospital Patient Tower, Dayton, Ohio
Recognizing that several of its facilities were over a half-century old and aging beyond their useful life, Dayton Children’s Hospital engaged FKP/CannonDesign to create a comprehensive, multiphased facilities master plan that supports its strategic plan, “Destination 2020.” The first phase included a new 130-bed patient tower that would renew Dayton Children’s main campus in Dayton, Ohio, and house a comprehensive cancer and blood disorders center; a Level III regional newborn intensive care unit; a critical care complex; and general pediatric inpatient units.
Designers chose a “things that fly” design theme for the eight-story building to honor the city’s rich aviation heritage and innovation in flight. Themed elements such as hummingbirds, hot air balloons, kites, and planes are incorporated into the lobby. The light-filled and colorful three-story atrium, called the Take Flight Gallery, houses a full-service cafeteria, café, and gift shop, as well as areas designed for interaction, respite, and relaxation. Wayfinding in the tower also plays off the design theme, with each floor having a designated number, color, and playful icon selected from things that fly, from manmade objects to elements found in nature.
To encourage families and patients to step outside and get some fresh air, the building includes a rooftop play space featuring skylights that look down to the atrium below and a flight-themed mosaic designed by Dayton Children’s patients, staff, and partners.
Project Details:
Facility Name: Dayton Children’s Hospital, Patient Tower
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Completion Date: June 2017
Owner: Dayton Children’s Hospital
Total Building Area: 260,000 sq. ft.
Total Construction Cost: $168 million
Cost/sq. ft.: $640
Architecture firm: FKP/CannonDesign in association with Champlin Architecture
Interior design: FKP/CannonDesign
Contracting: Danis Building Construction
Engineering: Heapy Engineering