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HOLISTIC SPACES Supporting families The parking elevators take the visitors to the Sky Lobby, which sits directly above the self-parking levels, fi ve levels above ground. The lobby becomes the primary location where everyone is greeted and directed throughout the build- ing. Aside from the parking el- evators, a set of clinic elevators are used and clearly identifi ed with refl ective glass that sends visitors up to the clinic fl oors above. These elements used were to further allow easy direction for visitors navigat- ing through the parking area and help alleviate stress for the family. Directly of the Sky Lobby, a Sky Garden prominently spans the full width of the building. This gives patients, family, visitors and staf the opportunity to use the garden space where green space is limited on the urban campus. On the terrace, children can interact with sculptures that play music, roll around in the grass and play while waiting on siblings or waiting for an appointment. Another important feature is the Ronald McDonald Sibling Center. This super- vised area also becomes a space that siblings may stay and play while waiting for their brother or sister. Not only do these moments create a distraction for the children, but also reduce stress and anxiety for the family. Promoting user comfort was established early in design. The major public circula- tion paths and waiting spaces located in the building help ac- tivate the building exterior and provide wayfi nding and orien- tation to the users. Not only do visitors see this at the start of the Sky Lobby, but the fl oors above are activated with a three-story atrium from levels two through four with a grand stair connection to two of the fl oors. To further create posi- tive distractions, each level has interactive monitors displayed on the feature walls within the space. The displays contain various scenes whether it's a forest scene or water scene, where the child can interact and play while waiting. Supporting staf Once inside the clinic area, the design creates a calmer patient experience by fully separating the of stage work core environment with the onstage patient environment. Four total pods inhabit each fl oor and are clearly identifi ed by an oversized graphic letter of the alphabet, again creating easy wayfi nding on every fl oor for each clinic. Each of the 12 exam pods is organized with a central work core used by staf with perimeter exam rooms accessed by staf from the core. The central work core enhances the collabora- tion between physicians and nurses giving a more cohesive caregiver approach for the patient, as well as optimizing ef ciency and fl exibility. The patient corridors surrounding the pods give patients access into the exam rooms. Each patient corridor is defi ned by an oversized graphic image refl ective of the Richmond James River area to help further identify wayfi nding in and around the clinic. A fl oor dedicated to housing faculty of ces, a conference center and meeting spaces is further intended to enhance collabo- ration between staf members. A good, solid support sys- tem sets the pace for healing, especially crucial when the pa- tient is a child. Creating spaces tailored to young patients while providing places catered to families is paramount to a holistic healthcare experience. Good design also supports the caregiver's ability to pro- vide safe and ef ective care to every patient. Combined, all these elements create the right framework to promote healing. Patrick Schultz, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP, is vice president and healthcare practice leader for HKS' Mid-Atlantic region and an MCD board member. Laura Hild, CHID, CID, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C, is interior designer/vice president at HKS, Inc. From top: A family waiting area allows families to relax, provides access to computers and convenient access to restrooms. In addition, use of vibrant colors can be used to establish seating areas. > Interior views at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU Children's Pavilion are peppered with connecting views overlooking the city. H O L I S T I C S P A C E S ISSUE FOCUS 38 Medical Construction & Design | M AY/ J U N E 2016 | MCDM AG.COM