NASHVILLE – Gresham, Smith and Partners, a leading multi-disciplinary design and consulting firm for the built environment, announces that the firm was honored with two awards in the annual 2010 Middle Tennessee American Institute of Architects (AIA) design awards program.
The firm’s design of United Hospital Center won a Merit award in the “built” category and a master plan created for the Shanghai International Medical City was recognized in the “unbuilt” category. These two awards are among several national and regional design awards received by GS&P’s Healthcare studio in 2010, including receipt of an Honor Award in the “unbuilt” category of the AIA/Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) National Healthcare Design Awards.
Catering to the needs of international clientele and the local community, the Shanghai New Hongqiao International Medical City will encompass five million square feet including 2,000 inpatient beds in three hospitals. Centered between these acute care facilities is a large Shared Services facility housing core support services, outpatient and specialty diagnostic services containing state-of-the-art medical equipment shared between the hospitals. Several Centers of Excellence provide outpatient access to specialty services.
Utilizing nature as a major theme, the project was designed as urban oasis in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world to provide a healing, sustainable environment to receive patient-focused care. Bridged connectors span from hospital to hospital allowing the public access to specialty functions that are contained in each facility. Large public plazas were incorporated in order to provide buffers for the hospitals while continuing the commercial boulevard. Energy efficient strategies consist of self-generating energy as well as conservation and recycling systems.
After almost 50 years in the same facility, United Hospital Center struggled to expand services and update technologies for the growing regional population. To better support the facility’s motto, “Excellence in all we do,” GS&P designed a new facility focused on flexibility, staff efficiencies and excellent patient experiences. Flexibility was improved by the placement of major departments at the facility’s perimeter so that expansion can occur without major shutdown. Patient rooms, exam rooms, prep room and departmental spaces have each been standardized. Natural architectural and interior design elements take inspiration from the surrounding West Virginia mountains, and commanding views to the exterior are enjoyed from every private patient room. The new hospital doubles its previous square footage, offers 292 new private patient rooms and positions United as the premier healthcare provider in the region by utilizing state-of-the-art technology integration and improved accessibility for patients and staff inside and out.
“It is an honor to receive these awards from the Middle Tennessee AIA and to be recognized for our designs by industry peers,” James Bearden, AIA, chief executive officer, Gresham, Smith and Partners. “Both of these healthcare projects incorporate elements of evidence-based design in support of our effort to create an effective healing environment. These projects further promote the positive impact the built environment can have on a quality of life within a community and I gladly congratulate the design teams for this accomplishment.”
AIA Middle Tennessee is a component of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The organization’s annual design awards program honors projects in various categories in an effort to promote and recognize the excellence in design being practiced by its members.
About GS&P Healthcare
Gresham, Smith and Partners (GS&P) is a leading design and consulting firm with staff that specializes in serving the healthcare industry in the United States and abroad. Our ability to develop Healthcare solutions that meet the needs of today and the demands of tomorrow is grounded in research and a solid understanding of industry issues and trends. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped create innovative healthcare facilities around the world that profoundly impact the patient experience, staff satisfaction and overall delivery of care. From out-patient centers and community hospitals to regional healthcare systems and academic medical centers, we listen to our clients and tailor our services to effectively help them reach their operational goals and improve the quality of life within their community. Download GS&P Healthcare brochure.
About Gresham, Smith and Partners
Gresham, Smith and Partners provides design and consulting solutions for the built environment that contribute to the success of national and international clients. For more than 40 years, GS&P has focused on enhancing quality of life and sustainability within communities. GS&P consists of industry-leading professionals practicing architecture and engineering design as well as scientists and highly specialized planning and strategic consultants in Aviation, Corporate and Urban Design, Environmental Compliance, Healthcare, Industrial, Land Planning, Transportation and Water Services. GS&P consistently ranks among the top architecture and engineering firms in the United States. For more information regarding GS&P, visit www.gspnet.com.