An autism-friendly hospital emphasizes nature for resiliency and healing
Charleston, South Carolina has raised the bar for inclusive healthcare style and design with the opening of the new Medical College of South Carolina (MUSC) Shawn Jenkins Children’s Healthcare facility and Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion. Developed by Perkins and Will in collaboration with associate architect McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, the new, 625,000-sq.-foot facility aims to be one of the country’s most autism-pleasant hospitals with its welcoming style and design that emphasizes access to pure gentle, a warm resources palette and an abundance of greenery indoors and out. The setting up also prioritizes resiliency by putting all patient treatment spots previously mentioned the specified flood elevation and integrating flood-evidence panels, an absorbent native planting plan and a collection of flood walls into its design and style.
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Applying feedback from dad and mom with little ones who are on the autism spectrum, the architects crafted calming interiors that just take into account the comprehensive-sensory practical experience — from the elimination of computerized flushers and hand dryers in loos to the minimization of visual litter — as a implies of averting potential triggers. The biophilic design and style also faucets into the therapeutic power of nature by making connections amongst the indoors and out where ever achievable. Contemporary air, organic light, indoor greenery and nature-impressed artwork by local artists develop a joyful indoor environment.
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The abundant culture and historical past of Charleston also influenced the inside layout, from the two-story major lobby with recycled cypress paneling that will take cues from historic Charleston’s Courtyard Yard to a huge-scale, stained glass artwork that evokes Angel Oak, an roughly 400-year-old Southern Live Oak. Timber-lined individual bedrooms mimic community seaside homes and appear with uncomplicated furnishings and customizable features to motivate small children to enhance their very own spaces.


The 10-story, 250-bed facility is set back from the avenue to make place for an “urban eco-friendly space” in a nod to Charleston’s well-known civic gardens. Outlined by a reduced seat wall that can assistance mitigate minimal-level flooding events, the landscape is planted with native species for reduced routine maintenance. Outdoor terraces on the seventh and eighth floors also connect the healthcare facility with the outdoors.
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Pictures by James Steinkamp and Halkin Mason by way of Perkins and Will
