Slideshow: Small Hospital, Big Idea contest

Kaiser Permanente announced the winners of its Small Hospital, Big Idea competition, celebrating creative ideas for a small, eco-friendly, patient- and family-centered hospital. This slideshow features some images of the designs of the winners and finalist. Click on the images to enlarge. All photos courtesy of Kaiser Permanente.

The three finalists -- Aditazz; Gresham, Smith and Partners; and Mazzetti Nash Lipsey Burch (with Perkins+Will New York) -- submitted their final designs Jan. 31, and met with the design jury March 20–22. On March 23, Aditazz and Mazzetti Nash Lipsey Burch were announced as the winners in a tie. The designs combined sustainability, attractive spaces and innovative technology, offering possibilities for a hospital with reduced costs, high quality and positive outcomes.

Pictured above, Aditazz emphasized the surrounding natural elements in the design of the hospital. Beautifully manicured grounds, including gardens for patients and their families to enjoy, as well as open air spaces allow for a pleasing relationship between outdoors and indoors. An over-arching solar canopy protects the structures below from direct sunlight.

[See also: Hospital design competition results in a surprise.]

As the above image of the lobby illustrates, the interior of the hospital is filled with natural light, and large windows continue the connection to the outdoors. The interior is spacious and open, and includes public social areas in addition to private patient rooms that promote healing. The design also includes a café with freshly prepared foods, a collaboration area for staff and clinicians and more.

The Agora is a unique addition to a hospital. It is an outdoor space to be used in many ways to create a sense of community and wellness. It can accommodate farmer’s markets, art shows, performances and fitness-related activities.

Aditazz took into account the plentiful clear-sky conditions of the proposed location for the hospital, and introduced solar energy generation with on-site photovoltaic panels. Integrated mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems will work together with the photovoltaic panels to achieve net zero energy use.

Diagnostic and treatment areas are situated with a series of courtyards to maximize views of the natural environment. The public concourse, adjacent to and above the main hospital areas, includes a wellness pavilion, retail dining and shared administrative spaces.

The landscaping surrounding the hospital is designed to restore the biodiversity and habitat of the area. Mazzetti Nash Lipsey Burch with Perkins+Will also ensures the hospital’s compliance with LEED standards for healthcare. Renewable energy sources, water balance and net zero waste all contribute to the structure’s sustainability.

The “Smart Gurney” is one of the many innovative communication and patient care technologies that are proposed for the hospital. Social displays and patient monitors allow clinicians to easily explain and interpret results. Other technologies help staff provide efficient care and for patients to be more engaged in their own care.

The wellness pavilion will serve as a bridge between the public and acute care functions, fostering community and healing. Meetings, public education and retail space are offered.

Gresham, Smith and Partners envisioned a “medical village” that features the hospital as the heart of a larger campus including a central green, medical offices, clinics, outpatient services and areas for education, retail and wellness. Canopies and color-coding distinguish different areas, making it easy to navigate.

The Emergency Department lobby demonstrates the philosophy of the whole hospital’s interior spaces: open-ended, efficient areas that are adaptable to growth and innovation.

Patient rooms are designed to provide independence for patients and families, with options for customizing lighting, room temperature and even the color of the room. An interactive footwall allows patients to access entertainment and information. Features such as handrails, lifts and wide doors help ensure safety and reduce risk of falls. Rooms accommodate family members who might want to spend the night with the patient.