The
new heart center and infant unit renovations have become pilot projects
defining a new interior master plan for Riley Hospital for Children in
terms of patient care, family support, way-finding, finishes and
lighting. The twenty-bed heart center has concentrated the hospital’s
cardiac expertise into a single unit, equating to efficiency of patient
care and staffing. The twenty-seven bed infant unit project transformed
an existing crowded and sterile unit into a warm, comfortable
environment conducive to the healing process.
From the onset of the design process, criteria was established to
define
an overall character for the hospital through the use of natural
materials, warm colors, rich textures, and playful use of light.
Comfort for the child and family remained in the forefront throughout
the design process with special family rooms and activity rooms
throughout each project. Patient rooms are models for efficient,
effective patient care with the dedicated caregiver space separate from
that of the family.
