Research
Macro Site
Macro Site
Macro Site
Located in Charleston, SC in an existing healthcare campus
Micro Site
Macro Site
Macro Site
Being on the second floor there is a view of the lake and surrounding city
Pregnant Women
Visiting Family
Visiting Family
- Space to keep belongings
- Comfortable atmosphere
- Availability of amenities
- Options to fulfill the birth plan
- Easy access to nurses
Visiting Family
Visiting Family
Visiting Family
- Comfortable waiting space
- Room to visit the mother
- Understandable wayfinding
- Access to amenities
Labor Support Member
Labor Support Member
Labor Support Member
- Space next to Mother that is out of the way of the staff
- Space to sleep
- Access to amenities
- Understandable wayfinding
Hospital Staff
Labor Support Member
Labor Support Member
- Easy access to all rooms
- Excess storage
- Large nurse stations
- Cleanable materials
- Cleaning stations near rooms
- Dedicated room in delivery rooms
Inspiration
Concept | NESTING
Providing support to mothers in preparation for their baby's arrival by allowing a feeling of control in their environment
Birds use nests to raise their hatchlings and provide protection, similarly, mothers start to nest when they are preparing for the birth of their child. They want to feel like their newborn is safe and that is an important consideration in our design. We want the mother to enter her room and feel like she is in control.
Mood Board
We want to create a safe space for mothers, babies, and the staff. using muted tones of sky blue, mossy green, soft pink, and tans will help the safe feel more inviting and give a connection to the beauty of Charleston, which helps promote faster healing for patients.
Floor Plan
Design Application
- Curved walls connect to nature through the organic forms
- Column elements create landmarks for clear circulation and wayfinding
- Specified doors secured for the protection of patients and healthcare workings
- Nurse stations are located centrally allowing easy access for all staff
- User adjacencies took into consideration
- Hospital ADA consideration (hallways and restrooms)
- Users can control their environment within patient rooms (emotions design theory)
Reflected Floor Plan
Design Application
- Wooden slats provide warmth, comfort, and acoustic protection for users
- Create a sense of place with lowered ceilings over the nurse station
- Coulum elements create landmarks for clear circulation and wayfinding
- Wooden slats reinforce the concept of NESTING in patient rooms
- Intercom systems incorporated throughout the hospital
Circulation and Design Application
Applied Environmental Applications
Biophilic Principles
- Visual connection with nature
- Non-visual connection with nature
- Biomorphic forms and patterns
- Material connection with nature
- Presence of water
Prospect-Refuge Design Theory
- Having a clear view of surrounding
- Provide private spaces
- Incorporating biophilic elements
- Designing with large windows
- Creating a sense of place in open seating arrangements
Emotional Design Theory
- Allows control over the space
- Reflecting emotions with materiality
- Design reflects the inner mind
- Creating a strong theme or brand
- Clear form and functionality of the space
Wayfinding
Elevation 01 | Biophilia Wall
Wayfinding was a priority design consideration from the beginning of the project. Above is an example of how we implemented it with in our space, with multiple other locations throughout the floor. This is the main wall guest see when they enter the LDR and it clearly states multiple locations for guest in the space to find their way without having to rely on staff members.
This wall also is a great example of a visual connect to nature is achieved with a frosted glass with silk plants for no maintenance for staff.
Perspectives
Perspective 01 | Reception
Incorporating branding and materials that connect users to the space and creating a sense of space with lower ceilings and change in the flooring. Providing a variety of seating and inset areas that make comfort for guests.
Perspective 02 | Waiting Area
Creating a sense of place through a ceiling element within a circulation path which helps separate the two making circulation clear. There is a variety of seating choices to provide options for users. White noise is included with the waterfall features in the lobby below, as well as full-length windows to allow maximum daylight into the space.
Perspective 03 | Cafe
Has access to outdoor seating and maximizes daylight with large windows and allows for connection to nature in multiple ways. A variety of seating caters to more users and is easy to find with wayfinding strategies.
Perspective 04 | Non-Stress Room
Materials create a relaxing atmosphere paired with the living moss wall to support a connection to nature. Curtains help block sunlight that comes through large windows, to allow users to pick ambiance.
Perspective 05 | Triage Room
Natural materiality creates a relaxing atmosphere for patients preparing for the arrival of their baby. Sink in the room to keep patients safe and casework has all needed supplies for visits.
Perspective 06 | Nurse Station
An open desk allows for open-sight lines. durable materials help keep the furnishings cleanable and presentable. Bright wallpaper and large column features call the space out as important to guests in the space. Casework and private storage rooms are all storage for all important tools and medicine.
Patient Rooms
Perspective 07 | Patient Room
The patient rooms are designed to be a warm and inviting space for the patients to check into and make a safe place to welcome their baby. The large windows, wood features and warm tones help support our design consideration and support healing with their strong connection to nature. The open floor plan gives them options in birth plans.
The space is optimal for nurses too with spacious stations, easy to clean surfaces, and lighting for patient safety.
Elevation 02 | Patient Rooms
The patients rooms have warm neutral colors and wood accents to create an inviting atmosphere. the curves help create a intimate feeling inside the room. The window allows nurses to see in without giving up any of the patients privacy.
Local Artist
Our Vision
Incorporating local artist in the space was an important consideration for our team to not only support the community, but to warm up the space with community representation. Both artist were selected for their watercolor like representation of South Carolina. The light colors help keep the space light
Artist 1: Virginia Fouche Bolton
A well known artist in the Charlotte area who captures the city by bringing out it unique characteristics.
Artist 2: Alicia Leeke
Digital artist who blends scientific research and art. A beautiful blend of how the LDR brings STEM and life together in a unique way.