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Houston
FKP Architects
Photography © Craig Dugan/Hedrich
Blessing
A hospital celebrates children with
playful, colorful whimsy
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"This
project represents a tremendous effort to make
a difference; to celebrate the kids who are the
patients."
—Cathy Simon, FAIA,
Principal, SMWM
Architect
FKP Architects www.fkp.com
Client
Texas Children's Hospital www.texaschildrenshospital.org
Key
Player(s)
Facilities Design International, and McCoy (interior
designers); Walter P. Moore, and Burns DeLatte
McCoy (engineers); W.S. Bellows Construction (general
contractor)
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Program:
This 41-year-old pediatric institution realized it
needed a new facility to meet its business goals in a changing
health-care environment. In addition, it wished to improve
conditions for its young patients. The client sought increased
space flexibility for growth and efficient use, easy conversion
of space to accommodate future needs, better wayfinding, an
increase in the productive use of staff, and satisfied customers.
Five distinct groups were instrumental in the decision-making
process—the administrators, physicians, user groups, parents,
hospital trustees, and architects.
Solution:
Clinic floors are organized around a two-story, color-coded
play area, featuring bold geometric shapes, which assists
with wayfinding and also serves as the central check-in and
recreation area for children. The team redefined work groups
and reengineered staff roles to improve efficiency. Flexibility
for incremental growth is incorporated into the design. Offices
are on the floors above or beneath clinics, allowing caregivers
ease of movement among them. Clinical spaces work like time-shares,
with several physicians utilizing the same rooms during different
periods. Overall exam-room utilization increased from 41 to
60 percent in the new facility. The percentage of patients
completing check-in/out in less than 15 minutes increased
from 69 to 94 percent, and annual growth has exceeded 9 percent
in the first six months after opening.
For more images please see the November
2002 issue or Architectural Record.
The Winners: Abercrombie
& Fitch | Allsteel
| Cellular Operations
| Gateshead
Millenium Bridge | Multi-Use
Centre | Paul
Brown Stadium | Texas
Children's Hospital | Toys
"R" Us | Trumpf
Customer & Technology Center | Univ.
of Penn. Dept. of Facilities and Real Estate | Valeo
Electrical Systems
The Finalists:
Arcs
de Seine | Boeing\
Leadership Center | Gasometer
B | Hansen
Construction Office | ING
Direct | KeySpan
Park Stadium | Matha
Stewart Living
Unbuilt Projects:
BMW Event and
Delivery Center | Hollister
Headquarters
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