“Designing a Pediatrics Clinic presented a challenge of contradictions and competing interests. The goal was to create a space that ensured the patient felt comfortable and in control while also providing an efficient space for the health professional. To create a space that supports growth, the concept begins with the idea of expansion. The primary spatial order is based on a Y derived from the empowering pose of a human with arms stretched upward and outward. Translating this into characteristics of the clinic was manifested through light. Conceptually, the connection between light and growth is represented through color and themes of the universe. A place where light expands infinitely such as outer space felt appropriate for the clinic to evoke the patient's curiosity. Lighting and light levels were used to create different moods and transitions between spaces to perform various functions. Primarily to soothe and calm anxiety, a common emotion in health care settings. The entry and exam room are two spaces that can empower a patient through these methods. In the entryway, cove lighting casts onto walls finished with a pattern that mimics light travel. This suggests that the patient is now navigating through space, into Beyond Pediatrics. Where they will be met by the hub of this spacecraft...the reception desk. A desk with multiple levels and angles to invite all its fellow space explorers. As for the exam room, it is acoustically treated and offers dimmable lighting as well as another sense of control to assist in overstimulation. Ultimately, the environment of Beyond Pediatrics was to ensure that all users would feel empowered by reinforming mental and physical wellbeing through user-based design.”

— Holly Frakes