Golisano Children’s Hospital is a new eight-story addition to the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Strong Memorial Hospital. The vibrant exterior, designed by Ballinger, creates a standalone identity for the building. The Lighting Practice worked with Ballinger and Arthouse Design to enhance the artful wayfinding elements on each floor, which make the hospital inviting to patients and their families.
Principals Helen Diemer and Jered Widmer designed the lighting system for Golisano Children’s Hospital. Helen and Jered developed a design that incorporated functional and low-profile fixtures to provide illumination without adding visual clutter. They also chose decorative fixtures to highlight destinations and aid in wayfinding. Traditional ceramic metal halide and fluorescent sources were used throughout the hospital. Integrated LED sources were used to backlight a graphic panel applications and accent architectural cove details.
In addition to assisting navigation, the overarching design theme – a reflection of the geography of Upstate New York – was developed to enhance the patient and visitor experience. Each level of the hospital represents specific geography, including “lake,” “meadow,” “park,” “city,” and more. Helen and Jered supported the themed levels by specifying fixtures that allowed for aesthetic flexibility. TLP provided consistent illumination while modifying fixture finishes, colors, shapes and even incorporating graphic illustrations appropriate to the assigned theme of the individual hospital level.
In addition to supporting wayfinding initiatives and the overall design aesthetic, The Lighting Practice’s team took special consideration when designing the lighting for patient areas. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was an important space to get right. Helen and Jered specified an integrated lighting control system that varies the intensity of light over the isolettes based on the time-of-day. By varying the intensity of the light, the system is able to help regulate newborns’ circadian rhythm.
We are proud to have worked on this dynamic project which will benefit babies, children, and teens throughout the Rochester area.
Healthcare Design Showcase: Golisano Children’s Hospital
Healthcare Design | August 2016
The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) is an extremely dense urban campus which has evolved over 50 years. Strong Memorial Hospital is URMC’s flagship teaching hospital which had a small pediatric facility embedded within it. An influential $20 million gift from philanthropist Tom Golisano, who is passionate about pediatric care, stimulated the momentum for a new children’s hospital adjoining Strong Memorial. The resulting architectural design of Golisano Children’s Hospital features its own dedicated entry and identity that evolves stacking children’s blocks.
Read the full article here: Healthcare Design Showcase: Golisano Children’s Hospital
