Throughout the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, the child is the centerpiece and driving force behind the design concept. Guided by the concept that children are explorers on a journey to healing, the design reflects both the philosophies of family centered care and the teachings of Carl Sagan, stressing our connection to the entire universe.
In redefining what the hospital experience might be, Rockwell Group created a special place that encourages curiosity, wonder and learning. A terrazzo bridge spanning the lobby begins the journey, one that is not only towards healing, but also knowledge. The entryway’s “You Are Here” map pinpoints the hospital’s location on an enormous glass mural of our galaxy. Visitors find themselves immersed in an environment that continually reiterates their place in our universe, both in scale and location.
On each floor, interpretive installations by individual artists relate either to the developmental level of the child or the illness treated there, exploring concepts of journey and connection. In every room, a custom Intranet system helps connect a child in bed, and their family, to a whole world of information and entertainment.