Designing for Resilience: The Vision Behind the Children’s Tower

The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU embarked on this ambitious project with three core objectives: to create a destination for holistic health and wellness for children of all ages, to foster a collaborative clinical environment for healthcare professionals, and to actively involve stakeholders – patients, families, staff, and the wider community – in the design process. This inclusive approach ensured that the final design truly reflected the needs and aspirations of those it would serve.

To bring this vision to life, the hospital partnered with New York-based interior design firm HKS Architects and material provider 3form. The collaboration focused on creating a space that moved beyond the traditional, often sterile, hospital aesthetic, embracing instead a vibrant, playful, and comforting atmosphere.

Biophilic Design and the Power of Color

A key element of the design strategy was the integration of biophilic principles – incorporating natural elements and patterns to connect patients and families with the natural world. Recognizing the challenges of maintaining hygiene in a healthcare setting, the team turned to innovative materials like 3form’s Varia, which offers the aesthetic appeal of wood with enhanced durability and ease of cleaning. This allowed for the creation of calming, nature-inspired spaces without compromising on essential safety standards.

Color played a crucial role in shaping the emotional landscape of the tower. 3form’s extensive color portfolio, boasting over 250 shades, enabled the designers to create a cohesive palette that aligned with the hospital’s branding and evoked feelings of calmness and tranquility. The selection of specific hues, like the custom-developed shade of blue used in the security desk, was a deliberate choice, leveraging the psychological benefits of color to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.

“Working with 3form’s extensive color portfolio and color films enabled us to develop a shade of blue that met our design goals,” explains Corrine Kipp at HKS Architects. “The plethora of color options led to the creation of a blue that accentuates the unique shape of the desk yet cohesively blends into the design as a whole.”

Did You Know?

Creating Moments of Joy: Interior Gardens and Playful Spaces

The Children’s Tower isn’t just about medical treatment; it’s about creating a space where children can feel safe, comfortable, and even joyful. The Interior Garden, a calming and peaceful oasis, provides a respite from the often-stressful hospital environment. Abundant natural light, playful fixtures, and vibrant furniture combine to create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages relaxation and connection.

Above the children’s entertainment area, a custom-made mobile and color-coordinated wall fins command attention, casting colorful hues throughout the space. Crafted from 3form’s Varia material in a spectrum of vibrant colors – Cobalt B52, Squash Y14, Tamale V22, Melon N10, and Turtle G28 – the mobile serves as a focal point, drawing the eye upward and inspiring a sense of wonder.

The dining area and planter wall further exemplify this commitment to creating a positive and uplifting environment. Digitally-printed woodgrain on 3form’s Varia material provides the warmth and texture of natural wood while maintaining the hygiene standards essential for a healthcare setting. “We offer designers access to a curated library of more than 21,000 images, patterns, and graphics—such as the wood grain HKS selected for the dining area—that can meet their digital printing needs,” shares Keenan Smigelski, a sales consultant at 3form. “It allows them to bypass sourcing limitations, ensuring creative freedom without having to compromise fabrication efficiency.”

What role do you think design plays in a child’s recovery process? How can healthcare facilities better prioritize the emotional needs of young patients?

The Children’s Tower at VCU Children’s Hospital is a testament to the power of thoughtful design to transform the healthcare experience. By prioritizing the needs of children and families, and by embracing innovative materials and a vibrant aesthetic, the hospital has created a space that is not only functional and efficient but also comforting, inspiring, and truly healing.

For more information on biophilic design in healthcare, explore resources from Terrapin Bright Green, a leading research firm in the field. And to learn more about the benefits of color psychology, visit the Color Psychology website.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Children’s Tower Design

• What was the primary goal of the Children’s Tower design?

  The primary goal was to create a welcoming and healing environment for children and families, prioritizing their emotional and psychological well-being alongside medical care.

• How did 3form contribute to the design of the Children’s Tower?

  3form provided innovative materials, including Varia and Chroma, that allowed for the creation of durable, hygienic, and aesthetically pleasing spaces, incorporating biophilic design elements and a vibrant color palette.

• What is biophilic design and why is it important in healthcare settings?

  Biophilic design incorporates natural elements and patterns into the built environment. In healthcare, it can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote faster healing.

• How did the design team involve stakeholders in the project?

  The design team actively engaged patients, families, staff, and the community throughout the design process to understand their needs and preferences, ensuring the final design reflected their input.

• What role does color play in the Children’s Tower’s design?

  Color was strategically used to create a calming and uplifting atmosphere, leveraging the psychological benefits of different hues to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.