Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital

Project Statement

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital opened its doors on September 29, 2024, and is more than a 19-story, 2-million-square-foot facility, it’s a beacon of hope and innovation. The new hospital paves the way for cutting-edge care and a healthier future for generations to come. With more than 70 acres, including more than 20 acres of green space, the campus includes miles of walking trails and provides healing views that can be viewed from patient rooms.

The 446-bed pediatric hospital and its adjoining South Tower, home to outpatient clinics and administrative functions are thoughtfully designed to maximize natural light and sweeping views. Patients can enjoy access to campus gardens while taking in views of Atlanta’s Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead areas, as well as the city’s beautiful tree canopy. More than just a hospital, this state-of-the-art facility is home to Georgia’s only Level I pediatric trauma center. It also houses the groundbreaking Marcus Center for Cellular Therapy, dedicated to advancing cell and gene treatments. The cardiovascular floor boasts three cardiovascular ORs, two hybrid ORs, cardiac catheterization labs and cutting-edge imaging services. Additionally, 19 advanced ORs support non-cardiac surgeries ensuring top-tier care for young
patients.

Innovation extends beyond medicine. The hospital features a high-tech conference and simulation center, a 20-inch pneumatic chute system for efficient waste management, and a 1,200-square-foot Ryan Seacrest Foundation broadcast studio for young patients. Incorporating energy efficiency and sustainability at every turn, the entire project also is on track to achieve LEED certification.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

**Design for Discovery**

At the Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital, the design team embraced a pioneering approach to discovery through **Simulation-based Hospital Design Testing (SbHDT)**. This initiative transformed a 100,000-square-foot warehouse into **Cardboard City**, one of the largest full-scale departmental mock-ups in the country, constructed entirely from cardboard.

 

**Key Elements Aligned with Design for Discovery:**

- **Immersive Simulation Environment** \n Cardboard City enabled real-time testing of spatial layouts and workflows by physicians, nurses, and staff. This hands-on experience allowed users to simulate patient care scenarios, uncovering design flaws and refining layouts before construction began.
- **Data-Driven Design Decisions** \n The iterative testing process generated valuable insights into operational challenges, safety concerns, and patient needs. These findings directly informed design modifications, reducing costly post-construction changes and enhancing overall efficiency.
- **Interdisciplinary Collaboration** \n The project brought together caregivers, designers, and observers to simulate interactions between patients and staff. This collaborative effort ensured that the design was responsive to the nuanced needs of all stakeholders.
- **Evidence-Based Outcomes** \n Lessons learned from existing patient care environments were applied to the new facility, resulting in a hospital that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of users, patients, and families.
- **Proactive Problem Solving** \n By identifying and addressing potential issues early in the design phase, the team created a safer, more effective healthcare environment. This proactive approach exemplifies the spirit of discovery and continuous improvement.

 

Design for Integration

**Design for Integration** by harmonizing aesthetics, functionality, and healing principles into a cohesive whole. The design team created a “hospital in a garden,” where architecture, nature, and technology converge to support the well-being of young patients and their families.

 

**Key Elements Aligned with Design for Integration:**

- **Holistic Design Approach** \n The hospital’s design integrates natural light, organic shapes, and natural materials to create a warm, nurturing environment. This thoughtful integration elevates the healthcare experience, balancing clinical efficiency with emotional comfort.
- **Connection to Nature** \n Landscaped gardens, green spaces, and a glass façade provide healing views and abundant daylight. These elements foster a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors, aiding in recovery and reducing stress.
- **Unified Aesthetic and Functionality** \n Curved forms and organic shapes soften the building’s appearance, making it less intimidating for children. Natural materials like stone and wood add warmth and tactility, complementing the hospital’s advanced medical technology.
- **Interior Design as Extension of Architecture** \n The interior continues the theme of “nurture through nature,” with sculptural trees, soft wood tones, and nature-inspired colors and textures. These elements create a cohesive experience from exterior to interior, reinforcing the hospital’s identity as a healing sanctuary.
- **Multisensory Integration** \n The design engages sight, sound, and touch:
- **Sight**: Organic forms, playful lighting, and nature-themed graphics create visual delight.
- **Sound**: Natural soundscapes, including water features, enhance the auditory environment.
- **Touch**: Stone and wood accents invite tactile interaction, contributing to a comforting atmosphere.
- **Wayfinding and Regional Identity** \n Custom graphics and color palettes reflect Georgia’s diverse landscapes—Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian Plateau, and Coastal Plain—creating intuitive wayfinding and a sense of place.
- **Beauty and Delight** \n Patient rooms offer views of gardens or Stone Mountain, providing moments of joy and reflection. The design’s elegance and warmth promote healing and emotional well-being.

 

 

 

Design for Well-Being

The Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital is a model of how architecture can actively promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Through biophilic design, multisensory experiences, and user-centered spaces, the hospital fosters healing and comfort for children, families and caregivers.

 

**Key Elements Aligned with Design for Well-being:**

- **Biophilic Design & Nature Integration** \n Large windows, strategic building orientation, and green spaces—including a private terrace for immunocompromised patients—bring the beauty of Atlanta’s natural surroundings indoors, promoting healing through connection to nature.
- **Multisensory Environments** \n The hospital engages sight, sound, and touch through organic shapes, natural materials, and calming soundscapes. These elements reduce stress and create a nurturing atmosphere.
- **Family-Centered Design** \n Each floor includes family lounges for rest and connection. In-room features like sleeper sofas, workspaces, and dual TVs support comfort and privacy. Real-time electronic whiteboards keep families informed and engaged in care.
- **Child Life Programming** \n Spaces like The Zone, Seacrest Studios, Art & Music Therapy rooms, and The Teen Loft provide joyful, age-appropriate experiences that support emotional well-being and development.
- **Staff Well-being** \n Dedicated staff lounges and collaboration areas promote caregiver wellness, job satisfaction, and resilience—essential for high-quality patient care.
- **Environmental Comfort Studies** \n Solar and wind studies informed design adjustments, such as shading structures and windbreaks, to enhance outdoor comfort and usability for patients and staff.

 

 

Design for Equitable Communities

The hospital’s design reflects a deep commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of background or ability—feel welcomed, respected, and supported.

 

**Key Elements Aligned with Design for Equitable Communities:**

- **Interfaith Chapel** \n A dedicated space for spiritual reflection accommodates diverse religious and cultural practices, offering solace during times of stress.
- **Universal Design & Accessibility** \n Thoughtful wayfinding, family-centered layouts, and inclusive design strategies support individuals with varying physical and cognitive abilities.
- **Culturally Responsive Design** \n Graphics and themes inspired by Georgia’s landscapes create a sense of place and familiarity, enhancing comfort for local communities.
- **Inclusive Amenities** \n A range of dining options—from room service to snack machines—ensures accessibility and convenience for families with different needs and preferences.

 

 

At the Arthur M. Blank Hospital, sustainability is embedded in the fabric of design, construction and performance. The project exemplifies how **early collaboration,** **smart resource use and prefabrication** can advance the AIA’s principles for environmental stewardship while delivering a high-performing, patient-focused facility.

 

**Design for Resources**

Sustainability principles were embedded throughout the project, from master planning to construction, aligning with the owner’s long-term goals. The team focused on **reducing embodied carbon by selecting** **low-carbon materials**, procurement transparency and conducting a Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment to minimize environmental impacts, achieving a 12% reduction in embodied carbon. Energy-efficient systems, including heat recovery, Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS), advanced lighting controls, and real time energy monitoring, further supported sustainability.

 

Sustainable material choices and resource efficiency were made possible through **early** **involvement of trade partners and strategic** **prefabrication**. Key building systems including patient headwalls, bathroom pods, and mechanical racks were prefabricated off-site in controlled environments. This not only improved quality and reduced waste but also accelerated construction timelines and minimized on-site disruption.

 

Trade partners were engaged during design development, allowing the team to coordinate complex systems, optimize logistics and reduce redundancies. Local and low-emitting materials were prioritized, supporting both environmental health and regional economies.

 

**Design for Energy**

The hospital is designed to exceed energy performance targets, optimizing both passive and active strategies to reduce consumption and carbon impact. The building massing leverages solar orientation, while high-performance glazing, shading and daylighting strategies reduce demand for artificial lighting and HVAC. Energy-efficient mechanical systems and intelligent controls further support operational efficiency and user comfort. Continuous commissioning and monitoring tools allow real-time performance tracking for systems to operate as designed and creating a platform for long-term energy stewardship.

 

**Design for Water**

Water conservation strategies are integrated throughout the project, addressing both

operational efficiency and site resilience. Low-flow fixtures, native plantings and efficient irrigation systems reduce potable water use. There was a 29% reduction in water usage from efficient plumbing fixtures and 57% reduction of irrigation water usage.

 

**Design for Change**

The hospital’s design improves efficiency and reduces long-term costs through flexibility, automation, and strategic infrastructure planning, in addition to anticipating evolving healthcare technologies and operational needs. **Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs)** handle movement of supplies, medication and food, allowing staff to focus more on patient care. Dedicated AMR elevators help streamline logistics, reducing wait times and improving throughput. If AMR demand is lower than anticipated, these elevators can be repurposed for staff use, avoiding wasted investment.

 

By supporting multiple AMR systems, the design reduces the need for costly future retrofits and allows for smoother technology integration. While specific performance data will be available post-implementation, industry benchmarks suggest automation contributes to cost savings, staff productivity, and better patient outcomes through faster, more reliable supply distribution. A **pneumatic trash conveying system** also reduces staff travel distances and frees up space typically used for waste holding and transport.

 

Incorporating advanced technologies like AMRs for logistics and real-time location systems, the hospital is equipped to adapt to future healthcare needs and innovations.