Our Lady's Children’s Hospital, Crumlin is an acute paediatric teaching hospital providing the majority of quarternary, tertiary and secondary healthcare services for children in Ireland, with particular specialisms in childhood cancers and blood disorders, cardiac diseases, major burns and cystic fibrosis. The design of a new paediatric intensive care unit called for an approach based on simplicity, a respect for the work of medical and nursing staff, and an understanding of the needs of children and their families.
Architecture
The 1300 sq.m, 17 bed unit includes 5 single rooms, 4 passively pressurised isolation suites, an 8 bay observation suite and associated support facilities.
Constructed deep within the live hospital complex on a site constrained by buildings on three sides, this design build project harnessed the latest methods of off-site prefabrication and fast-track site assembly to minimise disruption and risk to adjacent occupied wards and treatment areas.
The completed project provides excellent facilities for the delivery of acute healthcare in a therapeutic, child-friendly setting.
Interior Design
Our holistic approach to the design of the clinical interiors, involved integrating materials, colours, art and graphics capable of expressing an aesthetic as well as a therapeutic value, while complying with the stringent healthcare design guidelines.
A palette of primary colours has been used for walls, doors, nursing stations, IPS panels, to achieve a balance between an atmosphere of calm and children’s need for visual stimulation.
Art and graphics establish a consistent, friendly and reassuring visual language throughout the facility, integrating wayfinding, room signage, glazing manifestation and bedroom illustrations.