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A visit to the hospital or doctor's office for breast cancer screening can be an extremely stressful time for women. Unfortunately, these visits are becoming far more frequent ... and necessary. Overall, breast health has become a
primary concern for women-and for good reason: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The good news is that the design of healthcare spaces is helping to ease the anxiety that patients feel during these often distressing visits. One newly renovated healthcare facility in Dallas is a perfect example of how patient-centered design can improve personal comfort, privacy and patient service.
The Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas transformed the existing Peggy A. Bell Women's Diagnostic and Breast Center into a place of comfort and care for women. The renovated and expanded center is housed within the historic Margot Perot Center for Women and Infants at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, the first hospital in North Texas dedicated to caring exclusively for women and babies.
"The women's center focuses on the patient's entire journey," says Franne Neild, IIDA, AAHID, senior project designer, HKS Inc. "Providing a spa-like, hospitality atmosphere that speaks to women was a primary goal in developing our design."
The 11,561-square-foot, $3 million project is part of an overall modernization of the 22-year-old Perot Building at Presbyterian Hospital. The three-phased construction project began in February 2005.
"The primary goal of the renovation and expansion is to increase privacy, personal comfort, and services offered to patients and guests in addition to decreasing patient wait times," notes Mark Merrill, president, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and executive vice president, Texas Health Resources.
The Peggy A. Bell Women's Diagnostic and Breast Center's new look and additional space is created with the use of warm colors, many natural materials, and increased privacy and comfort in waiting areas.
"The stylized, progressive interiors host clean lines accented by the use of natural materials," explains Neild. "These natural materials-such as granite stonework and unique wood tones-are calming elements. Textured art glass, backed by a full height wall of stone mosaics, mimics the tranquil waterfall while satin, mirrored glass panels give a spa-like, yet organic, feeling to the women's center. The serene setting-with its neutral, soft interiors-is a
perfect backdrop for the display of original artwork located throughout the center's public spaces," she adds.
The non-denominational chapel at Presbyterian Hospital features an infinity pool and views of a peaceful garden, providing a quiet place for friends and family of patients.
IMAGES:
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above: The women's center embraces a spa-like environment that focuses on the patient's entire journey throughout the clinical spaces. (larger image)
below: Textured art glass, backed by an accent wall of stone mosaics, mimics a tranquil waterfall. (larger image)
above: Private consultation areas are designed to provide comfort with rich wood tones accented by ornamental lighting. (larger image)
below: Intimate waiting areas host satin, mirrored glass panels which give a spa-like, yet organic, feeling to the women's center. The panels provide privacy and intimate seating areas as well as a decorative element throughout the space. (larger image)
SOURCES:
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CONTACT:
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CLIENT PEGGY A. BELL WOMEN'S DIAGNOSTIC AND BREAST CENTER
8160 Walnut Hill Ln.
Dallas, Texas 75231
(214) 345-2598 | PROJECT TEAM ARCHITECT HKS INC.
1919 McKinney Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 969-5599 Franne Neild Stewart, IIDA, AAHID,
senior project interior designer
Becky Haas, IIDA, junior interior designer
Anita Isaacson, AIA, project manager
and project architect
Evelyn Reyers, AIA, project designer
Elaine Rothenberg, job captain | MEP ENGINEER
CCRD Partners CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
Austin Commercial PHOTOGRAPHER
Blake Marvin |