The UHS Hospital approached WestEast to design and expand the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The goal was to produce the best possible Family Centered Care environment for the patients and staff.

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Through research, a design evolved to ensure that efficient workspace between staff and comfortable care zones was achieved. Through live mockups and test fits, the ideal spatial layout and supporting medical tools were approved and thus the layout became a set of centralized pods designed to give each family an area of refuge and privacy. In conjunction to the architectural elements of the space, special attention to colors, natural light, circadian cycles, warm décor and art defined the space and continued to enhance the overall environment of care.

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Participation by the family in the newborn’s development and healing process was of utmost importance, and the space was designed to encourage the interaction through a space which is calming and comfortable.