SILVER SPRING, MD—October 2, 2019—One month after opening its doors, the new Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center is already seeing the benefits of a human-centric design that places patients at the core of the healthcare equation.
Green, biophilic elements drive the human-centric design of White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, MD. Architect: CallisonRTKL; Photo © Sam Kittner
“We had a number of goals with the new space,” says Tara McGrath, a senior associate and healthcare interior designer at CallisonRTKL– the architects for the new facility. “Of course, we responded to the operational demands of one of the region’s most recognized providers. But we also introduced new design approaches, like biophilia, which taps into the intrinsic connections people make with nature, creating a calming, organic environment that supports the healing process.”
The approach aligns well with Adventist HealthCare’s faith-based mission but also relies on current research into healthcare environments and human-centric design. The bucolic site inspired CRTKL’s design team—the building’s wooden façade reflects the area’s lush, forested setting. Light-filled public spaces, roof gardens, courtyards, a dining terrace and walking trails promote a restorative healing environment for patients, family and staff.
White Oak gives back to the environment it draws inspiration from, too. The hospital, currently tracking towards LEED Gold, features a 48% reduction in energy consumption from its previous facility thanks to its sustainable use of cogeneration.
There are also human-centric design elements in two very personal care units—the maternity and behavioral health departments. The maternity ward features a labor delivery room with access to the green roof terrace, and the department offers Post-Partum rooms, Medical-Surgical Patient rooms, a nursery with an isolation room, Labor/Delivery rooms and C-Section rooms. The behavioral health unit is designed with segregated zones: a patient zone with its corridor serving the bedrooms, dayrooms and treatment spaces; and a staff zone with its corridor and dedicated staff entrance serving the staff work and support areas.
The new campus, located along the border of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, allows Adventist HealthCare to provide comprehensive care in an environment that celebrates health, community and nature. The new facility features 170 all-private beds and an emergency department to accommodate up to 60,000 visits per year. In addition, an ambulatory care center with outpatient and cancer treatment services will be attached to the hospital and will also house physician offices and space for outpatient programs. To help ease staff commute, the new campus is in proximity to public transportation and spacious parking lots.
The hospital is not only first class in holistic health but in healthcare technology, too. The Emergency Department is designed around the Fast-Track and triage units (close to the incoming ambulatory patients) with service pods to allow expansion and contraction of service as needs change throughout the day and week. The surgery suite features ORs (including one hybrid OR), beds for pre- and post-surgery recovery, endoscopy rooms, a minor procedure room and central sterilization.
About CallisonRTKL
CallisonRTKL is a global architecture, planning and design practice. Over the last 70 years, we have created some of the world’s most memorable and successful environments for developers, retailers, investors, institutions and public entities. Our work has set us apart as the number one retail design firm in the world and a top-five architecture practice across multiple disciplines and sectors. Under the Arcadis umbrella, we continue to expand our sphere of influence and the depth and breadth of our resources. Our team of nearly 1,500 professionals around the world is committed to advancing our clients’ businesses and enhancing quality of life. callisonrtkl.com
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