Uplifting Pediatric Hospital Design Brings Hope and Healing

Designing children’s hospitals with kids in mind is about creating safe environments that are comforting and engaging for young patients while supporting their physical and emotional healing.  Children’s Nebraska lives up to its mission of improving the life of every child with the pediatric hospital design of its newest outpatient facility in West Omaha.

Chanda Chacon, MPH, FACHE President & Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Nebraska said the growing population of the rapidly expanding West Omaha area created the need to “provide care close to home.”

Children’s Nebraska – West Omaha provides specialty care, lab services, radiology, and audiology, and continues to grow its services as it spreads its wings in the community.

The uplifting pediatric hospital design of Children’s Nebraska – Omaha West provides a healing experience that transcends traditional medical care, creating an environment where children feel inspired and comforted. The hospital’s walls embrace the natural world with vibrant photographs of wildlife, flowers, landscapes, trees, and natural textures. These images aren’t merely decorative but are thoughtfully integrated into the facility’s design.

“.  . . nature art is the preferred type of art by children from age 5 to 17” (Eisen 2006).

Countless studies indicate nature images support healing significantly when it comes to adults, and newer research indicates children of varying ages have the same physiological response to the natural world and nature art. And that’s what makes pediatric hospital design so important when it comes to creating uplifting, welcoming environments that improve outcomes for children.

According to an article in Health Environments Research & Design Journal that looked at the impact of art on children in healing spaces:

“The evidence suggests that connection to nature acts as a buffer between life stressors and psychological distress. Several of the reviewed papers reported that having direct or even indirect access to nature can reduce pain and stress, enhance social functioning, and promote an increased sense of control in healthcare environments” (Gaminiesfahani, Lozanovska, Tucker2020).

The authors went on to state, “Art with nature-related motifs was also associated with healing.”

Pretty substantial findings when you’re looking for easy ways to improve outcomes;  that’s truly when your walls become part of the care team.

“. . . (pediatric) patients in tree mural rooms had the most health-related outcomes” (Uwajeh & Ezennia 2019).

One study conducted with patients at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, TX, “showed that children highly rate nature images with bright colors, water features, and non-threatening wildlife” (Nanda, Hathorn, Chanaud, & Brown, 2007).  Children’s Nebraska definitely took this research and others like it to heart.

Every floor of Children’s Nebraska – West Omaha features artwork tailored to children’s journeys—from playful forest animals like birds and squirrels to hopeful scenes of dancing butterflies and flowers in bloom.

Over 160 acrylic images were printed and installed by Renze throughout the facility.  Acrylic provides a vibrant display while also having the benefit of being able to be easily cleaned to keep surfaces sterile and safe.

A large-scale custom vector mural was hung on 7 panels stretching across a 60 foot hallway on the 2^nd floor of the facility.   KJP artistic director, Tori Gerkin, worked with the design team to create the playful scene to Children Nebraska’s specifications.  The image was vectorized to add a whimsical touch to this engaging, nature-based graphic kids can’t stop talking about!

A show-stopping 2-story vertical vector image of a soothing sunset greets patients, families and staff as they walk through the main entrance or take the stairs.  This approximately 5 ft wide by 16 ft tall landscape image installed via a Renze REXframe is a beacon in the space. Hanging an image this size was no small feat, and the final result makes a big splash on what would otherwise be an oversized blank wall.

Each corner of Children’s Nebraska – West Omaha comes to life with trees and songbirds and other forms of nature that become an important part of the children’s recovery.

Bold colors fill the rooms and hallways, from the gentle blues and greens of skies and camouflaged frogs to golden rays of sunshine beaming down on a group of sun-bathing turtles.  Playful shots of animals adorn the walls of waiting and exam rooms and also add a fun vibe to staff areas. Several of the images were taken locally at the nation’s award-winning Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.

The spectrum of colors used throughout the facility was chosen carefully to engage and calm children, aiding their emotional and developmental needs.  All images were taken by Kurt Johnson and KJP’s contributing photographer, Jerred Zegelis.  Kurt and Jerred are passionate about improving outcomes for all patients, but helping little ones navigate healthcare environments with hope and wonder holds a special place in their hearts.

Like most ground-breaking projects, pediatric hospital design requires all hands on deck.  And Children’s Nebraska – West Omaha was a collaborative effort by some of the area’s most cutting-edge providers.  JE Dunn Construction built the impressive facility and Altus Architects Studios handled the vivid design including wallcoverings, carpet, and the incorporation of Omaha Children’s Medical Center’s iconic umbrella sculptures.  Soraya Consult Group rounded out the design with playful furniture and the inclusion of KJP’s healing nature photography.  And we had a fantastic time working with Jeff Sorensen of CBRE Project Management and Christi Colbert,  BSN, RN, CPN, CNML, AMB-BC, Manager of Children’s Specialty Pediatric Outreach Clinics.

Studies show that nature-inspired art can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and boost moods for all ages.  Combine that with research indicating children actually prefer representational nature images above other types of art, and nature art rises on the list of important things to consider when looking at pediatric hospital design.

By leveraging these powerful benefits, healthcare environments can provide comfort and sanctuary for both young patients and their families the way Children’s Nebraska – West Omaha has done with this stunning and intentionally designed facility.

The positive, hope-filled atmosphere is a critical part of the hospital’s mission, as it empowers children to heal physically, emotionally, and mentally, bringing relief and strength to children during what are often some of the most challenging times in their lives. 

We can’t think of qualities much better than compassionate medical care combined with the hope and inspiration of the natural world to truly make a difference in our communities.