Architecture Standards for a Children's Hospital

The building of a children's hospital requires not only a formal set of architectural principles, but also an understanding of what young patients require. The result may very well be an outstanding health care facility where children are likely to feel safe.

Guidelines

• The reference document for architects, engineers and others involved in health care facility construction and renovation is called "Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities." It started as the "General Standards" in 1947 when it was issued by the U.S. government. The document went through a series of revisions and name changes until the American Institute of Architects (AIA) published the 1987 edition. Currently the AIA publishes these guidelines, and they are no longer under the auspices of the federal government. The Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC), a multidisciplinary group, oversees the revision process. The Federal Guidelines Institute (FGI) ensures the document is kept current and liaises with the public to monitor requests for interpretations. The AIA publishes revised copies of the "Guidelines" every four years.

Design

• A child should feel safe while in the hospital.

  Those involved in the building, renovation and modernization of children's hospitals are aware of function in relation to the needs of young patients. In his article "Hospital," Robert F. Carr stated that "The basic form of a hospital is based on its functions." He also said, "Hospital patients are often fearful and confused, and these feelings may impede recovery." A child going to the hospital for an operation may be worried about pain, being away from family and dealing with doctors, nurses and others she does not know. Architects are challenged to structure a therapeutic environment where children will feel safe and comfortable.

Result

• The result of proper application in terms of formal design principles, combined with creative effort based on understanding of need, is a hospital where the physical environment is nonthreatening to children and conducive to their recovery. For example, American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, has received much praise for the structure and design of its building. It was given the distinction of 2007 Top Project by "Wisconsin Builder" magazine. Child-friendly aspects include the yellow barnyard hallway on the second floor, where specialty clinics reside and each hallway has its own theme. The large patient rooms boast separate sections for clinicians and families.