This newly-upgraded NICU is designed to support infant development and the needs of staff and family.
UPMC Harrisburg wanted to expand their capacity to serve more critical infants within their neonatal intensive care unit as well as engage family members as valued members of the care team. The opportunity? Transitioning a small, open-bay nursery to a private room model on the 9th floor of their Harrisburg campus.
Our design aimed to help UPMC integrate a variety of family spaces supported by intuitive wayfinding. This also had to be done while addressing concerns over staff isolation and access to critical supplies. To optimize the large floor plate and overcome the operational challenges, the unit was organized into four neighborhoods around the family lounge at the heart of the unit.
Decentralized nurse charting stations between each pair of rooms place the nurses beside patients, and since they’re positioned at alternating diagonals down the length of the hallway, nurses can easily access a partner team member. Plus, each neighborhood had dedicated support so that supplies were close at hand.
Now, staff are less isolated and better equipped, and with the family lounge, kitchenette, and sibling play area, the redesign supports family members as an integral component of the care team.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- UPMC Harrisburg
Kristy Hollis, Principal, Architecture
Love what you do, and every day will be rewarding.
Megan Holmes, Vice President, Regional Business Leader, Buildings (US East)
Designing the best possible environment takes a team committed to a common goal.
Kristina Klingbeil, Interior Designer
The positive impact healthcare design can have on patients, their families, and staff is what continues to motivate me.
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