Gresham Smith designed the renovation for Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center’s Inpatient Unit in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Novant Health’s Presbyterian Medical Center wanted to renovate, right-size private patient rooms and implement system prototypes for its neurology, cardiovascular, medical and surgical inpatient care units. Gresham Smith’s design updates patient units for floors 3-6 across three hospital wings. The new floors were inspired by North Carolina’s geography to create a quiet, comfortable, peaceful and modern healing environment.

Our design creates efficient, upscale rooms, a layout that optimizes patient flow and materials, and increases visibility for nurses. For the interior design, natural imagery was used to create modern super-graphics installed at elevator banks and other key areas to orient, as well as inspire, occupants. The area above the ceilings is used for utilities and doesn’t allow for recessed lighting, so we used indirect, wall-mounted lighting along the corridors to create a bright and open space.

The renovation presented an opportunity to refresh the staff lounge and lockers and provide areas of respite. Support spaces were designed for access and efficiency, with more storage for supplies, equipment and telecommunications equipment located closer to nursing stations. We also provided capabilities and infrastructure for advanced integrated technology within the patient rooms, including provisions for smartboards on footwalls in the future.

Standardization was a key goal; with systems and materials more easily maintained caregivers and staff stay focused on what matters…the patients. Toilet rooms were designed to help prevent falls and accommodate bariatric patients. Patient lifts were installed in several rooms to safeguard patients and staff.

By completely reimagining the space and developing prototypical inpatient care units, our solution improves the human experience and operational efficiencies.

Design: Gresham Smith
Photography: Peter Brentlinger