A Hospital Designed to Go Beyond Medicine

with Paul Strohm, Senior Vice President, Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK), Project Architect

Posted: Aug. 1, 2005

When Columbia St. Mary’s Lake Drive Hospital opens in 2010, patients and their families will experience health care in a whole new way. Designed to redefine the patient experience and take health care beyond medicine, this innovative facility promises to set new standards for quality care in southeastern Wisconsin.

“Every aspect of the new hospital has been designed to enhance the patient’s healing process, ease stress for patients and their families and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes,” said Paul Strohm, Senior Vice President, Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK), the hospital’s architectural firm. “The Lake Drive Campus will deliver a totally unique patient experience—from the moment a patient enters the hospital and throughout the entire care experience.”

Paul Strohm, Senior Vice President, Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK), Project Architect "Every aspect of the new hospital has been designed to enhance the patient’s healing process, ease stress for patients and their families and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes." See the new facility with our video walkthroughs. Click Here.

Designed to facilitate recovery
Many innovative features have been incorporated into the hospital’s design to minimize stress for patients, give them more control over their environment and facilitate recovery. These features are based on evidence-based design—the guiding principle for this hospital project—that uses architectural and design elements to improve patient outcomes, aid in the recruitment and retention of top-quality staff, increase patient satisfaction, and enhance operational efficiency and productivity.

Environmental factors that can positively impact healing will include patient exercise facilities, access to nature and gardens, and a safe, secure, relaxing environment. Positive distractions such as music and nature will help to reduce stress for patients, visitors and staff, Strohm said.

Designed for comfort and family participation
Every patient room will be large and private, and most will enjoy a Lake Michigan view. Within each 325-square-foot room, home-like family areas will promote longer visitations. Overnight accommodations will be available in each room for family or friends.

Patients will be able to control their own room temperature and lighting. They can access their personal health record information on monitors within their rooms. Internet access also will be available. Patients will be able to eat when and what they want (within the confines of their illnesses). Family members also may cook meals at the food preparation area on each floor. Each patient room will include a refrigerator.

Patients will know their daily hospital activities in advance, including when tests are scheduled or when meals will be served.

Designed for the community
“This will be a significant building for the community, something that will make a difference in Milwaukee,” Strohm said. Located on 20 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, Columbia St. Mary’s Lake Drive Campus was designed to blend in with the surrounding historic neighborhood, while also serving as a prominent landmark for the City of Milwaukee.

“It reflects Columbia St. Mary’s passion for patient care,” Strohm said. “Its futuristic design and patient-centered features are indicative of the organization’s vision to transform health care.”

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