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KING OF PRUSSIA, PA –Array Healthcare Facilities Solutions and Parkin Architects Limited are pleased to announce that University Hospitals, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital’s NICU has been awarded a Bronze Citation in the 2010 American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase. This is a premier competition recognizing education design excellence. This 38 bed NICU brings together advanced technology, research and surgical services in a home-like environment. The facility was planned with input from UH clinical and administrative leaders, staff, and senior thought leaders at Array and Parkin Architects Limited. The new unit, on Rainbow’s fourth floor was designed to decrease the level of anxiety and stress, as families can now be with their newborn in a private setting 24 hours a day in a single bassinet room model of care, which leads to improved outcomes. To promote a soothing, hopeful experience for all families, a rainbow theme was developed that incorporated various elements of nature: a butterfly, flower, sunshine, and raindrop. These themes along with its associated colors, help families navigate throughout the unit. To reinforce the nature inspired theme, real plant materials such as flowers and grasses are embedded in decorative glass and resin materials throughout the space. The NICU has some of the most advanced technology available in neonatal care, but the natural theme in the built environment, and the whimsical artwork throughout help to soften the impact that technology sometimes brings. Such technologies include “The Rainbow Flex” the world’s first operating room table designed specifically for babies. While incorporating state of the art technologies, the design team was mindful in providing a sustainable “green” environment. Low VOC paints, toxin-free substrates, PVC-free materials, no-wax flooring and sound absorption panels were all incorporated into the execution of this design.
“The unit is warm and comfortable with human scale. It is filled with well-thought-out, excellent details, and effective use of colors and materials. A well-executed project.” American School & University Despite the facility’s incorporation within the confines of an existing hospital, numerous sustainable and efficient elements have been introduced to the facility. More than 90% of the demolition waste was diverted to recyclable use. Additionally, the facility benefits from renewable materials, pollution free flooring and millwork substitutes, and advanced electrical / mechanical systems, making the facility capable of attaining LEED certification where logistically possible. University Hospital Rainbow Babies and Children NICU will be one of 95 projects to be profiled in the August 2010 issue of American School and University. About Array Array Healthcare Facilities Solutions is a planning, architecture, and interior design firm dedicated exclusively to healthcare design. With offices in King of Prussia, PA; Boca Raton, FL, Beachwood, OH, New York, NY, and Dallas, TX; Array is nationally recognized for its ability to create healing environments that contribute to patient comfort and successful outcomes.
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