Pediatric Wing Renovation
client: T. J. Samson Community Hospital
markets : Healthcare
services : Planning, Construction, Operations

Originally a 1950's nursing unit, The T.J. Samson Community Hospital's pediatric wing underwent a total renovation. GBBN designed an exciting and colorful environment for the staff, patients and their families. This project involves a total renovation of 9,500 sq. ft. to accommodate 17 private rooms, which are spacious enough to accommodate family members. GBBN Architects also designed the furniture for each of the patient rooms to extend the colorful and playful design into each room. The design for the nursing unit created a new nurses station near the entrance, as well as a "family gathering room" to allow parents to interact with other patient families, have space to eat meals and have access to the internet.

Personalized Space
Given the potential lengthy stay for children, GBBN Architects sought to create an environment that comforted the child and personalized their space. Magnetic bulletin boards and specialty light fixtures were integrated into each room to accommodate photos or artwork. Playful furniture with angled edges, tilted surfaces and bright colors was designed at the appropriate scale for a child to use and included in each room. The individuality of each room was carried out into the corridor with different colored "thresholds".

Feedback
According to a resident nurse, "Entering the pediatric unit is like walking into a different world. The bright colors are cheerful to all who enter and blend wonderfully together, setting the atmosphere in a kid-friendly environment. We love our beautiful station!"

According to the AIA Kentucky Jury, "The interiors successfully reflect the intention of the project...an environment that is supportive of young children during an anxious time. The careful, creative use of humble materials which utilize color, scale, and texture is wonderful! The furniture design is a perfect fit for the children." The jury admired the introduction of playful elements within the context of a typical suspended ceiling system. "A very successful solution to a tough problem."