WSU EUNOIA Volume III

CIRCLE CARE PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL
RUBEN ESTRADA, CAMREE KUNZE & BEN FLEISS | SENIOR ARCH STUDIO | FALL 2021
Circle Care Pediatric Hospital won the Crimson Award in the Arts and Design category at the 2022 WSU Showcase for
Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA). The project site is located at the heart of the Emanuel Medical
Legacy Campus in Portland, Oregon and provides care to the greater overall area with its emergency department, NNIC, PICU,
and four additional patient unit floors. Three primary issues were researched to address within a pediatric hospital design. First,
a common problem found in many hospitals are the high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder seen in medical staff, patients,
and their accompanying family members. In fact, 15-40% of visitors report feelings of PTSD following hospitalization. Second, a
factor for PTSD was discovered in building occupants that directly correlates to nature deficiency disorder, or a lack of connection
to the outdoor environment, with patients reporting stress by an increase of 25% when they are not interacting with nature in
some way. Lastly, hospitals must redesign their layout entirely every forty years. It is common for hospitals to face situational
vulnerability in their inability to sustain an influx of high patient saturation in adjustment to unforeseen circumstances. Circle Care
Pediatric Hospital strives to lessen the burden of said issues and provides a more calming and sustainable experience. In an
evidence-based design approach, the design strives to meet the issues described above with three proposed design solutions–
those being the minimization of PTSD, use of biophilic design, and convertibility. Within the hospital, visitors will find a large
range of escape zones and green spaces welcome for all ages to take a moment to play, relax, and breathe amidst the high
stress environment that they are in. Regarding biophilic design, the building itself is oriented to maximize southern daylight and
northeastern views of the surrounding nature elements to enhance healing and regulation of circadian rhythm. Finally, to achieve
the goal of convertibility, the use of empty shell levels in anticipation of the building’s future expanse by incorporation of large
interstitial space and interchangeable patient rooms. Circle Care Pediatric Hospital engages pediatric patients, parents, and staff
alike through implementing design strategies focused on minimization of PTSD, embracing core values of biophilic design, and
providing building and space convertibility.
Studio led by Minyoung Cerruti
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eunoia