News Release

The Dayton Chapter of the American Institute of Architects recently awarded a 2008 Interior Design - Merit Award to App Architecture for their design of The Dayton Children’s Medical Center 3-West Inpatient Unit. 

The entire existing patient unit was renovated to provide a healing environment that is family focused and supports patient-centered care.  New private patient rooms with full bathrooms were created to provide privacy for the patient and family.  The rooms have a family area with a sleeper chair and various amenities allowing parents to stay all night in a comfortable environment.

Pete Harsh, President of App Architecture, said, “The design is based on an aquatic theme utilizing child friendly, age appropriate and appealing colors, lighting, graphics and artwork. A large live aquarium provides a positive distraction for patients and family members who are often anxious and apprehensive about their hospital stay.”  The public spaces and patient rooms are outfitted with aquatic-themed artwork created by local children and artisans through the Dayton Visual Arts Center.

According to the nursing staff, the friendly sea creature floor graphics help patients and families find their way by marking entries to the Playroom and Nutrition Area. Unique artwork at patient room doors helps each child remember his or her room location.

One parent retells her experience during a recent visit with her daughter: They had been in the Emergency Department for about 5 hours with many tests, needle sticks and procedures.  Her daughter was very anxious, stressed and scared.  Eventually she was admitted to the 3-West Unit and her daughter’s anxiousness was immediately replaced with wonderment.  She thought she was in Disney Land.

App Architecture is an architectural, interior design and planning firm specializing in design for healthcare, civic, community, religious and educational organizations.

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