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It was important to the Saint Barnabas team that the expansion created a sense of connectivity between the new and existing structures and, with healthcare as dynamic and ever-changing as it is, everything needed to be adaptable and fl exible. Luckily, there was immense foresight to address infrastructure needs and support for the future. State-of-the- art equipment and effi cient, long-lasting materials were an absolute necessity. Tying the Cooperman Family Pavilion to the existing building, and creating fl uidity between the two structures, wasn't easy either. With low fl oor-to-fl oor heights, the building didn't initially allow for the seamless integration of new technology and HVAC requirements necessary for modern medical construction. Existing fl oor-to-fl oor proportions needed to be maintained on the upper levels without having to create ramping scenarios. The structural engineer proposed an innovative approach by using a concrete fi ligree system, which enables very thin concrete fl oor construction, so the facility was able to maintain the standard fl oor-to-ceiling height. This enabled the design of connecting bridge links between the existing building and new construction at the three top levels for ease of access by the staff . The addition also connects directly at the lowest two fl oors. Flexibility at the core With fl exibility at the heart of the expansion, there was a major push to adopt an acuity-adaptable patient room model. The question was whether or not these rooms could be converted in the future for higher acuity. This was one of the fi rst considerations while designing the expansion; the solution was to have all new private patient rooms be acuity adaptable up to the intermediate care level. The rooms also work for any specifi c medical and surgical care modality, including oncology and neurosurgery. A major goal for expansion was to create an all-private room platform for Saint Barnabas' medical and surgical population. The building stack produced allows the hospital to accommodate this by fl exing over census and volume into the pavilion's 114 new patient rooms. 1 2 1. A private room wing, located within the NICU, accommodates fl exibility in care and privacy needs. 2. The NICU family lodge provides ample space for families of patients to relax, recharge and interact with each other, creating positive distractions. 24 Medical Construction & Design | JA N UA RY/ F EBRUA RY 2018 | MCDM AG.COM