GS&P-Designed Hospital’s New Façade Enhances Aesthetics and Wayfinding for Patient Experience
Gresham, Smith and Partners announces the completion of a new addition and façade renovation at Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center, creating an enhanced aesthetic and wayfinding to improve patient privacy and experience. The firm also designed a new, more appropriately sized registration area, conference room, public restrooms and direct access to existing elevators.
“Our hospital was in need of an update. Previously, the public and clinical circulations were entangled. Patients were moved through the main corridor, which created privacy and efficiency issues,” said Steve Smith, MD, interim president and COO and vice president of medical affairs at Prince William and Haymarket Medical Centers. “The new façade and connector organizes the space. While it certainly improves the look of the building, it also enhances functionality and patient safety to support our commitment to a remarkable patient experience.”
“The improved circulation and new focal point makes it easier for patients to orient themselves and navigate the facility. It also maximizes daylight to improve the look and feel of the space,” said David L. King, AIA, division vice president, Gresham, Smith and Partners. “On the exterior, our design unites various structural elements built out over 50 years to create a more cohesive and modern look.”
Inside, the façade creates a new two-story lobby area with terrazzo flooring, housing the new registration area, conference room and public restrooms. The renovation also provides more direct access to an existing elevator group which serves the patient care floor, aiding in wayfinding. Public and visitor circulation is now completely separated from patient and staff, providing much needed efficiency and privacy.
GS&P’s dedicated Healthcare staff approach each project through the lens of Value-Added Design. Value-Added Design is a dynamic, holistic framework in which teams explore and define what is important to clients with a focus on key performance indicators: patient safety; operational efficiencies; integration of technology; adaptability/resiliency; healthy, sustainable buildings; and human experience through evidence-based design. This approach gives clients the opportunity to assess and prepare for inevitable market shifts.
