Stead Family Children's Hospital

WORK COMPLETED WHILE EMPLOYED WITH ZGF ARCHITECTS

While part of the design team at ZGF, Jordan worked on the Experiential Graphic Design program for the 14-story, 507,000 sq. ft University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Stead Family Children's Hospital, as well as the renovation of an existing NICU connected to the new building. The hospital houses 189 acute critical care beds, including a PCICU, a PICU, a new 56,250-square-foot NICU, imaging, dialysis, infusion and a pediatric cancer center.

The design concept and strong environmental graphics program took its cues from the hospital's belief that individual interdependent pieces can come together to create a greater whole. This theme was expressed by a quilt, capturing the story of Iowa's unique landscapes to evoke a sense of place. Graphic displays feature four scenes familiar to Iowans (farmlands, wetlands, woodlands and prairies) that aid in wayfinding vertically. These stories are also extended into each unit.

The scenes are comprised of patterns inspired by the nature within each habitat. Layers of detail unfold through interwoven graphic icons at door entries, finish materials and the application of color to each floor. These graphics are fully integrated into the main corridors, procedural rooms, patient room entries, stairwells and the areas surrounding elevators and nurse stations on each of the hospital's upper 11 levels. Together it creates an optimistic healing environment and positive distractions for patients.

The Stead Family Children's Hospital was a finalist in the SEGD Awards in 2018. Check out the posting and more photography here: