The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Sophia Children's Hospital specializes in the care of premature babies with severe health issues. The constant noise from alarms and medical devices impacts the babies' health and adds stress for both the medical staff and parents. Furthermore, the multi-bay wards with up to 10 babies provide minimal family bonding opportunities and no privacy for parents.
By developing a new interior design concept centered around smart spatial solutions, I wanted to help the hospital reimagine its NICU with a focus on privacy, family connection, and overall wellbeing. The design solution includes patient room clusters with sliding doors that balance family privacy with nurse efficiency. Additionally, the concept integrates biophilic design principles and natural elements to further enhance wellbeing.
Role
Student in advanced concept design master course at TU Delft | Individual work
ClientsSophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, NL | Critical Alarms Lab, TU Delft
Tasks
Literature and observational research | Interviews with medical staff and parents | Concept development | 3D modeling | Rendering | Storytelling
Video of the Final NICU Design Concept
As the Sophia Children's Hospital prepares for a series of spatial transformations and a planned relocation in 15 years, I wanted to inspire their upcoming renovations with my design proposal. Although the proposal is conceptual and demands significant investment, elements of it can be implemented almost immediately. For example, creating spaces where parents can store personal items or decorate their baby's bed with photos can quickly make parents feel more welcomed.
Patient Clusters for Increased Privacy
The new patient clusters aim to blend family privacy with nurse efficiency through the use of sliding doors. By grouping babies in clusters of three, nurses can maintain efficiency and oversight when the doors are open, such as during the night. Parents can close the sliding door for privacy during their visits or keep it open when they prefer to connect with other families.
Warm and Welcoming Rooms for Family Bonding
In addition to facilitating a seamless transition between privacy for parents and efficiency for nurses, the new room concept creates a cozy and comfortable environment for families. The patient rooms are designed with ample light and feature soft, natural materials. Parents have dedicated areas within the rooms that they can personalize, helping them feel more at home during their baby’s hospital stay.
Incorporating Nature for Enhanced Wellbeing
A key feature of the new rooms is the incorporation of nature. Plants are placed around the unit, ensuring visibility from every room and even from the nurse’s area, as exposure to nature can significantly reduce stress in a hospital environment. Additionally, a rooftop garden offers convenient access to natural surroundings and fresh air, allowing families to enjoy the benefits of nature without needing to be away from their baby for extended periods.