A Pediatric ICU stay can be a traumatic experience for the family. The nature of the care itself is also extra stressful for staff members.Ā These are facts completely understood by the design team of Perkins + Will Dallas, going into ideation over the most suitable design for the unit at Childrenās Health.Ā Led by Interior Designer Whitney Hendrickson,Ā the design goal was to create a supportive environment for patients, families, and staff by executing an āAfrica: Savanna and Jungleā theme,Ā to tie in with the hospitalās signature style of refined whimsy.
As most children are not able to get out of bed and wander about during their stay, with some even spending weeks staring at the ceiling above their beds,Ā the idea of creating impact on the upper wall and ceilings of the nurses’ station became the design focus.Ā Overall, the savanna and jungle are expressed on the walls with bold, earth-toned illustration, with EchoĀ ceiling luminaires as ācloudsā.
A combination of the Echo 23ā x 14ā drums in Abstract pattern, Ā 33ā x 14ā drums in Shell pattern, and 44ā x 15ā drums in Tech pattern, customized as surface mounts, provided the whimsical clouds for the scenery.Ā Per Whitney:Ā āThe Echoās various patterns and sizes helped the luminaire clouds refract light on the surrounding sky, especially at night when half of the corridor lights dim. The intent for cloud fixtures to glow as a feature element to be enjoyed by the beholder, was flawlessly attained.ā
Hossley Lighting Associates is the preferred agency for this project.
Photography by Charles Davis Smith
Perkins + Will Dallas is part of Perkins + Will
View Echo brochureĀ for color choices, patterns, and finish.