Challenging traditional design with natural light and improved sightlines

RWJBarnabas Health – Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

RWJBarnabus Health engaged Stantec for the fit-out of the new cardiothoracic intensive care unit at their hospital campus in New Brunswick, NJ.

In an environment highly dictated by code, critical adjacencies, and clinical operations, patient rooms and support spaces are often connected by long internal corridors. For this unit, the design team challenged the traditional eight-foot hallway by dissolving the hard lines of the corridor and allowing the space to be an organic arrangement of functions. As a result, the floor is flooded with natural light, sight lines among staff were maximized and the number of footsteps were decreased.

In addition to improved sightlines, user safety and advanced infection control were main concerns from care providers when discussing ideal conditions for their new spaces. Innovative features such as switchable electrostatic privacy glass at the patient room entry sliders, creative millwork solutions, and advanced medical equipment all aim to increase the safety of those occupying the space. It also works to decrease the number of infections affecting patients with a compromised immune system.

Completed in February 2019, the unit provides a space for the critically ill that maximizes sightlines to the patients and decreases travel distance for care providers.