Anderson Mikos Architects completed the new main entry and surgical expansion at Rush Copley Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

As our team conceived the concept plan, it became apparent that the old main hospital entry would need to relocate. This gave the design team the ability to enlarge and create a new main hospital entry with covered drop-off. Moreover, the hospital’s CEO wanted to create a new sense of place for his staff to meet, discuss and reflect on their daily work. It also would become the central “hearth” of the hospital.

The design team wanted to create a large-scale space connecting to all existing patient and staff circulation paths; however, it was also important to break the scale down with wood and lighting elements for a calming patient experience. This was utilized at the surgery check-in area and waiting, the Jazzman Cafe, and the hospital’s main visitor desk. To help keep costs low, a premium plastic laminate was incorporated in for the cabinetry that has a similar visual to the wood in high-use areas. The new lobby area design allowed for additional surgery space, giving the ORs scope to expand in place, while maintaining all functioning existing surgery rooms.

Now completed, the new lobby and patient entry has become a vibrant, activity area for all to enjoy. Bright light and comfortable seating enhance the scale and sense of place.

Architect: Anderson Mikos Architects
Design Team: Dave Mikos, Ralph Wiser, Barb Palm
Photography: Mark Ballogg, Tricia Shay