A playful and comforting pediatric observation

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia - Observation Unit

Quick growth has led to the need for a new observation unit and emergency department overflow at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The new unit has 16 patient beds with amenities to support patients and family members.

Existing conditions posed a challenge for the design team. Large existing mechanical rooms and an existing fire stairwell divided the space. The application of lean principles—transformation, flow, and value—were instrumental in ensuring a cohesive and comprehensible unit which is easy to navigate despite its awkward shape. Because the unit is windowless, biophilic design was incorporated providing daylight-mimicking luminaires on a 24/7 circadian schedule. In exam rooms, we introduced a clerestory window luminaire. Patients can “open or close the blinds” by turning the luminaire on or off. Overhead lights can also be controlled by patients through three dimmable scenes for the morning, daytime, and evening.

The overall result of our work is an adaptable environment where patients and families can maximize ideal serotonin and melatonin production, accelerating recuperation time and increasing overall wellbeing.