June 20, 2012
On June 20, 2012, the new Nationwide Children’s Hospital opened its doors to patients and families. The replacement hospital adds 750,000 SF to the hospital’s main campus and restores six acres of public green space for the community.

Beyond expanding capacity and elevating the level of care at one of the nation’s most distinguished and busiest pediatric care centers, the new facility took advantage of the opportunity to create a new neighborhood identity. The reclaimed green space extends an existing city park, the oldest in Columbus, providing scenic areas for escape and a welcoming and soothing context for the campus. The nature theme is brought indoors with colorful, engaging graphics, audio/visual special effects and charming hand-carved animal friends designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates.

“From the first step through our doors, children will be met with an atmosphere of wonder and fantasy,” said Steve Allen, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “We have trees and animals, natural light and bright colors from floor to ceiling that will decrease the anxiety and stress of being in a hospital.”

“From the beginning, Nationwide Children’s primary goal was to make the environment patient and family friendly. It was also important that we consider how the design would accommodate staff. Both goals drove the design team to new heights with new design concepts not seen in hospital design nationwide,” commented Ed Huckaby, FAIA, ACHA, ACHE, Senior Principal and Pediatric Design Practice Leader at FKP Architects. “There is a unique arrangement of the patient room design to permit a more expansive view outside while providing ample room for staff to work near the front of the room. Every team station will have outside views, helping alleviate stress. These are a few examples of how innovative evidence-based design and delightful spaces combine to create an inviting, top-tier patient and staff experience.”

Read more about Nationwide Children's new hospital.