ROSEWOOD MEDICAL CENTER – NURSE STATION

Columbia HCA – Rosewood Medical Center was a 231 bed facility located in Houston, Texas. This nurse station was designed by Caren Burns, a licensed architect located in Houston, Texas, to upgrade the image of a tired facility. Interesting lighting and curved lines worked to improve circulation at an “L” intersection. Nurse stations serve an important service to both the staff and to the public. Hospital’s took on their modern meaning as “an institution where sick or injured are given medical or surgical care” in the 16th century. All of the materials were chosen for low maintenance with high style. From the design of the ceiling to the floor, concentric circles flowed within themselves, defining traffic patterns and creating appealing but soothing imagery. Early healthcare design focused on a term simply stated as the fine hotel concept, which was the goal of this solution in addition to functionally meeting the needs of the nursing staff. Support areas flanked the nurse station. The lighting could be dimmed and was all low voltage. Designed in the early 1990’s, saving energy and utilizing recyclable, green materials, were in their infancy or not a consideration by most designers. The artwork and color palate were all chosen to create an uncluttered visual affect along with a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. The old expression, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression” applies to health care facilities. Thoughtful design can help ensure the proper first impression is created and sustained.