Contract - October 2011 - (Page 81)

Enclosures (below) with sliding glass doors allow natural light to filter to the corridors from the windows in both offices and consultation rooms. Floor Plan The windows also serve a purpose of flooding the center’s spaces— from reception and hallways to meeting rooms and offices—with daylight. In areas devoid of outdoor vistas, such as a conference room and exam spaces, blossoms and branches are visually referenced in printed glass and eco-resin surfaces. The design team enhanced the relaxed, restorative environment by introducing carefully considered low-VOC materials, too. “To reduce known carcinogens or developmental toxins in the environment, we avoided products that included elements on Perkins+Will’s precautionary list of materials and substances that have known or suspected health risks,” says Perkins+Will Principal Carolyn BaRoss. Instead of covering upholstered benches and chairs with vinyl, for example, they used a leather-like polyurethane material that stands up to the hospital’s rigorous cleaning protocols. They also selected a vinyl alternative for the floors that mimics wood flooring of spa-like settings while meeting durability standards. Another appointment that contributes to the spa ambience is detailing that evokes wooden mullions of Japanese paper screens for the glazed walls of office spaces. In lieu of using metal or hollow doors on enclosed spaces, the designers installed solid walnut doors with wood frames to add warmth. The fruits of labor Incorporating seven ultrasound rooms, two echocardiogram rooms, and space to conduct prenatal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in addition to the multiple exam rooms and doctors’ offices, the new facility has advanced the delivery of healthcare on multiple levels. Not only does the soothing environment reduce anxiety and enhance the comfort of both patients and staff, it also eases the workflow and improves efficiency. “The process is a lot faster, which is key when time is critical,” says Simpson. Since its inception, the center’s volume of patients has increased significantly, according to the physician. “When we started in 2004, we saw five to six patients a month. Now we see 40 to 50 per month or more than 500 families per year.” And thanks to its thoughtfully designed space, the Center for Prenatal Pediatrics—the only facility of its kind in New York City—is now ideally poised to serve this growing population of patients with an emphasis on holistic, patient-focused care. Carmen and John Thain Center for Prenatal Pediatrics. Architect Perkins+Will. Client New York-Presbyterian Hospital/ Columbia University Medical Center. Where New York. What 12,000 total square feet on one floor. Cost/sf $290. For a full project source list, visit www.contractdesign.com. www.contractdesign.com contract october 2011 81 http://www.contractdesign.com http://www.contractdesign.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - October 2011

Contract - October 2011
Contents
Editorial
Industry news
Product briefs: healthcare
Product focus: caregivers need care, too
Product focus: above + below
Product focus: glass for health
Advancements made in evidence-based healthcare design
The power of design
Less clinical, more hospitable
Beautifully lean
Raising the bar
New life
Urban sanctuary
The 2011 healthcare environment awards
Designers select: healthcare products
Ad index
Perspectives

Contract - October 2011