Home-like environments for intensive care children’s units

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago 17th and 22nd Floors

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital quickly outgrew its space and required more space for patient care. Our client engaged us to reimagine office space on the hospital’s existing 17^th and 22^nd floors to accommodate the critical care needs of children and their families.

Through a visioning session and considerable interaction with clinical users and family members, Stantec was able to identify pressure points and respond. First, we designed a family lounge off the main lobby where parents and family can gather and socialize while remaining within arm’s reach of the nurse's station. Our second task was to create a more open care team environment with noise volume control. By centralizing the nurse's station and extending it the length of the floor, nurses, doctors, and other care team members have increased visibility and access to patients. Lastly, we planned 44 new ICU beds with technologically advanced equipment.

By maintaining a strong relationship with all team members and staying flexible, we were able to deliver a well-received ICU floor for children and their families. Our design solution captured the best aspects of the existing care units while enhancing them through an inventive post-occupancy evaluation process.