Healthcare Design - November/December 2024 - 53

REMODEL/RENOV ATION COMPETITION
BRONZE WINNER
Robert Wood Johnson University
Hospital Somerset, Eating Disorders Unit
Somerset, N.J.
SUBMITTED BY: NK ARCHITECTS, P.A. (MORRISTOWN, N.J.)
DESIGN TEAM:
Bryan Pennington,
AIA, ACHA, project
manager; Erin SharpNewton,
associate AIA
(NK Architects);
Nicole Cocolin, NCIDQ,
interior design (DCC
Design Group); LKU
Group (MEP design);
O'Donnell & Naccarato,
Inc. (structural
engineering); O.A.
Peterson Construction
(construction)
COST PER SQUARE FOOT:
$327
PHOTOS:
© Jeffrey Totaro
Architectural
Photographer (after
images); Courtesy of
NK Architects, P.A.
(before images)
FIRM CONTACT:
(973) 539-5353
nkarchitects.com
JURY COMMENTS:
* This project not only
transforms the physical
environment but also
elevates the quality
of care and patient
experience, exemplifying
a progressive approach
to behavioral health
services.
* The renovation of
the Inpatient Eating
Disorders Unit
incorporates evidencebased
behavioral health
design principles to
optimize the recovery
environment. By
BEFORE
AS PART OF a campus-wide revisioning of behavioral
health services at Robert Wood Johnson
University Hospital Somerset, the renovation of
the Eating Disorders Unit presented an opportunity
to design a state-of-the-art facility that
aligns with the prestige of the hospital's nationally
recognized program.
Data and case studies were utilized in planning
phases to identify the physical, biological,
psychiatric, psychological, and social needs of
patients, leading to a transformation of the unit's
closed-off layout into a more open, flexible, and
therapeutic environment for healing.
Recognizing that external inputs impact the
biological responses of patients, evidence-based
behavioral health design principles are integrated
across the unit to improve the architecture
of recovery within the EDU's 18,400-squarefoot
floor plan, including improved sightlines,
increased natural light, and distinct zones for
adults and adolescents.
Interior finishes draw upon biophilic design
research, which is scientifically proven to reduce
stress, enhance cognitive performance,
and stabilize moods and emotions. Nature
symbolism is woven throughout the unit, utilizing
curved forms, landscape imagery, and
an adaptive color palette to balance calming
and stimulating environments.
Circadian lighting fixtures in open areas synchronize
patients' biological rhythms with natural
daylight cycles, while sunshade systems open
and close according to the time of day. Patient
rooms feature controls over lighting and curtain
systems promoting personal dignity.
Expanding the former 12-bed unit to a 20-bed
program reflects RWJ's commitment to community
needs, as it is one of only two hospitals in
New Jersey providing inpatient care for this increasingly
prevalent, life-threatening disorder,
setting a benchmark for innovation within the
design of behavioral health facilities.
BEFORE
SUPPLEMENT TO HEALTHCARE DESIGN / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 202 4
DECEMBER 2022
53
addressing the physical,
biological, psychiatric,
psychological, and
social needs of patients,
the design enhances
therapeutic outcomes.
Additionally, the
integration of biophilic
design elements and
strategic use of color
and lighting sets a new
standard for innovation
in behavioral health
facility design.
* Nice transformation of
tight and dark space into
a healing environment
that also focuses
on providing some
openness. Phasing in
this space must have
been a challenge. I really
like the light and the
use of bright but simple
colors for the patients,
staff, and families alike.
The patient room and
group therapy room are
now bright, soft, and
colorful without being
obtrusive and negatively
distracting.
http://www.nkarchitects.com
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