HKS Making a Mark In NE Healthcare

Farmington, CT–Work is well underway on the $318 million improvements project at the UConn Health Center in Farmington that includes renovations to the John Dempsey Hospital and construction of a new 11-story Patient Care Tower.
According to Shannon Kraus, Senior VP and Managing Director DC at HKS Architects: “The new tower is the most striking feature of this project. It is perched on a prominent location, setting the tone for the new hospital as its skin is designed to complement and contrast the context of the existing academic campus.”
“From the moment visitors and patients arrive off the elevators with views to the outdoors and where they are parked, “ he says, “they are immersed in a healing environment to help disarm stress. Within the units, the bed tower features 100% standardized, same handed rooms–each one offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside.”
The new hospital tower will contain 169 single-bed, inpatient rooms, a 28-bed intensive care unit, a 29-bed step-down unit (cardiac and medical), a 28-bed hematology/oncology unit, a 28-bed orthopedic/spine unit, and two 28-bed medical-surgical units.
Construction is scheduled to be completed in early 2016.
In addition to normal site work for new construction, existing site utilities including sanitary, storm, water, and electrical, will be relocated during the initial construction phase to accommodate construction of the new tower and parking facilities.
The public garage will have 402 spaces including nine ADA compliant spaces. The staff garage will have 397 spaces including eight ADA compliant spaces.
Kraus noted that “there are always challenges on projects this complicated. Site, parking, image, function and flow are competing forces vying for space and dollars. The design team, owner and construction manager have all worked together to constantly monitor these challenges and make decisions that tie back to the original guiding principles whenever an issue arises.” He said BIM is being used throughout the project as well as in the master planning.
Linda Haggerty, Principal & Interior Designer at Steffian Bradley Architects, commented that “this project will transform the patient, family, and staff experience. The health center staff is collaborating and participating in the design of their new facility at a level of commitment that is rare.”
Under Bioscience Connecticut, the new patient care tower and renovations to John Dempsey Hospital will provide the region with the most advanced health care technologies, including state-of-the-art equipment and services.
The new tower will include designated teaching space and be connected to adjacent research areas, allowing optimum communication and collaboration between patient-care team members and researchers working on new treatments and cures. A welcoming main entrance and lobby will offer visitors easy way-finding and amenities including a new interfaith room, an inviting café where guests can relax and refresh.
New technologies will be integrated throughout the facility to empower patients, their families and healthcare providers to participate together in the healing process.