The $270 million John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo is a new 410,000 sf, 185-bed facility that is the regional perinatal center and ACS Level 1 pediatric trauma center.
The Shepley Bulfinch-designed facility, which is the first freestanding pediatric health facility in New York, includes a 64-bed private room neonatal intensive care unit, labor and delivery unit, joint pediatric hematology/oncology unit, and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. The facility replaces the 125-year-old Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.
An underground tunnel connects the 12-story complex to the Buffalo General Medical Center and Gates Vascular Institute to provide back-of-house circulation and utility connections. A sky bridge connects these buildings for patient, visitor, and staff circulation.
Photo: Tim Wilkes.
Elevator lobbies and public areas on each floor face the main entryway with floor-to-ceiling windows. Each floor has a unique theme, color scheme, and environmental branding to assist families and visitors with wayfinding. Playrooms and public spaces provide patients and their families with a place to gather and relax.
The Fisher-Price/Mattel Family & Child Support Services Floor includes a Family Resource Room, laundry amenities, kitchenettes, family lounge, winter garden, non-denominational chapel, and a roof garden. The 64-bed Children’s Guild Foundation Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on the fourth floor allows mothers to be with their babies around the clock and features an all-weather solarium for respite. Each patient room includes ample space and in-room seating that turns into sleeping areas for visiting family.
The new facility has a 25% reduction in size from its former location and a $60 million reduction in its operating budget. Turner Construction Company was the general contractor for the project. DiDonato Associates was the Civil Engineer and Cannon Design handled MEP duties. Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc. was the structural engineer.
Related Stories
| Mar 18, 2014
6 keys to better healthcare design
Healthcare facility planning and design experts cite six factors that Building Teams need to keep in mind on their next healthcare project.
| Mar 18, 2014
How your AEC firm can win more healthcare projects
Cutthroat competition and the vagaries of the Affordable Healthcare Act are making capital planning a more daunting task than ever. Our experts provide inside advice on how AEC firms can secure more work from hospital systems.
| Mar 13, 2014
Do you really 'always turn right'?
The first visitor center we designed was the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center for the Everglades National Park in 1993. I remember it well for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was the ongoing dialogue we had with our retail consultant. He insisted that the gift shop be located on the right as one exited the visitor center because people “always turn right.”
| Mar 12, 2014
14 new ideas for doors and door hardware
From a high-tech classroom lockdown system to an impact-resistant wide-stile door line, BD+C editors present a collection of door and door hardware innovations.
| Feb 21, 2014
Naturally ventilated hospital planned in Singapore
The Ng Teng Fong General Hospital will take advantage of the region's prevailing breezes to cool the spaces.
| Feb 18, 2014
Study: 90% of healthcare providers say Affordable Care Act is 'step forward,' but major revisions needed
Providers are excited about opportunities to address long-term health issues in the U.S., but worries about the transition persist, according to a new study by Mortenson Construction.
| Feb 17, 2014
Lawmakers may take away control of Florida hospital project from the VA
The project is $100 million over budget and has missed its scheduled completion date.
| Feb 14, 2014
Crowdsourced Placemaking: How people will help shape architecture
The rise of mobile devices and social media, coupled with the use of advanced survey tools and interactive mapping apps, has created a powerful conduit through which Building Teams can capture real-time data on the public. For the first time, the masses can have a real say in how the built environment around them is formed—that is, if Building Teams are willing to listen.
| Feb 13, 2014
3 keys to designing freestanding emergency departments
Having physically disassociated from a central hospital, FEDs must overcome the particular challenges associated with a satellite location, namely a lack of awareness, appeal, and credibility. Gresham, Smith & Partners' Kristin Herman-Druc offers three keys to success.
| Jan 30, 2014
The evolving workplace: One designer's inspiration board
"Open office" has been a major buzzword for decades, and like any buzzword, some of the novelty has worn off. I don't believe we will abandon the open office, but I do think we need to focus on providing a dynamic mix of open and closed spaces.