As part of its Impact of Design Series, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has recently shared research findings on the Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware. Designed by FKP | CannonDesign, the 547,547 square foot facility injects a patient-centric philosophy into the space, using design to solve problems faced by doctors, patients, and caregivers alike. The building stands out for its access to daylight, light harvesting, and bright interiors, and is celebrated for its colorful façade, innovative almond-shaped buildings, cost-saving solutions, and the children’s influence on the overall aesthetic. Most notably, the effects of the design are tangible when comparing pre- and post-occupancy metrics; the facility’s Monthly Inpatient Environmental Satisfaction Index rose 33.97 percent, the Inpatient Monthly Likelihood to Recommend the Hospital to others Top Box score rose nearly 5 percent, and the Monthly Overall Rating of Emergency Department Care saw a 10.9 percent satisfaction increase among patient families.
Notes Randy Fiser, ASID CEO, Hon. FASID, “In an environment as vulnerable as healthcare, the comfort of the inhabitants is critical. FKP | CannonDesign thoughtfully created a hospital that is welcoming, not unfriendly; playful, not sterile; airy, not cold. We’re proud to recognize the successful, concrete research findings of this inspiring project.”
As an inpatient facility, making a “home away from home” for the hospital’s visitors was a priority for the design team. Features such as private vs. shared rooms, improved accessibility and navigation, more family space, and extended concierge services were all taken into account. The design team drew inspiration from the Brandywine River natural habitat — the hospital’s neighborhood — as well as renowned industrialist Alfred duPont’s innovative nature and the Nemours Children’s Health System mission: “Provide for the Health and Joy of the Children of Delaware.” The final result is a space that promotes healing through play, color, light, and nature. The following key elements are examples of features that contribute to the facility’s success:
Massing: The building massing starts with the patient room. Each trapezoidal shaped room is wider at the exterior to permit additional family space and views of nature. Four same-handed rooms are placed side by side and mirrored against the adjacent four rooms, creating a nursing module of eight supported by a central team station and creating a curved façade that generates the form of the building. The atrium acts as the town square to welcome the community of patients, families, and staff. The atrium, with
its signature interiors and soaring heights, is a landmark that enables orientation and eases wayfinding in the hospital.
Layout: Each inpatient neighborhood is comprised of six, eight-bed units and a teamwork area
— all connected by public loop corridors on each patient floor. Clinical attendant work areas directly off the unit corridors provide a bedside connection to the patient while maximizing efficiency. Staff benefit from shortened walking distances, reduced to an average of 60 feet, from stations to patients and supplies.
Access to Nature: Located on Alfred DuPont’s 300-acre estate, the hospital is set amid a beautiful parklike setting of oaks and green lawns. The family-friendly site is filled with a variety of healing and active-play garden settings — even on rooftops between the existing and expansion buildings. Natural light penetrates deep into the interior through the signature façade and a sky lit atrium. Patient rooms and staff work areas with adjacent “pocket parks,” solariums at building corners, and atrium bridges all provide views to the gardens.
Daylight: The concept of harvesting light and providing views shaped the overall building form while also meeting sustainability goals. Daylight softens the hospital environment by filling all public areas with natural light — including dining, concierge, patient, and family activity zones. On each of the upper levels, two inpatient unit neighborhoods (east and west) are organized around the central atrium and are designed with visual connection to the outside. Natural light harvesting is an important aspect of promoting wellness, as evidence-based design has shown that natural light and exterior views reduce medication use, support circadian rhythms, and reduce depression. All travel paths in the building are within 30 feet of natural light and views of the exterior landscape.
Positive Distractions: Nemours engaged youth advisory groups to provide the input that influenced a “Jumpin’” aesthetic — creating an unexpectedly delightful and child-friendly building. A Discovery Zone on the first level includes an animated interactive video wall that offers connections to a virtual natural world.
To view the full research brief, click HERE.
About ASID
The American Society of Interior Designers believes that design transforms lives. ASID serves the full range of the interior design profession and practice through the Society’s programs, networks, and advocacy. We thrive on the strength of cross-functional and interdisciplinary relationships among designers of all specialties, including workplace, healthcare, retail and hospitality, education, institutional, and residential. We lead interior designers in shared conversations around topics that matter: from evidence-based and human-centric design to social responsibility, well-being, and sustainability. We showcase the impact of design on the human experience and the value interior designers provide.
ASID was founded over 40 years ago when two organizations became one, but its legacy dates back to the early 1930s. As we celebrate nearly 85 years of industry leadership, we are leading
the future of interior design, continuing to integrate the advantages of local connections with national reach, of small firms with big, and of the places we live with the places we work, play, and heal. Learn more at asid.org.