AECOM helped Grant Medical Center revitalize their landlocked, urban campus in Columbus, Ohio. Due to the tight site, maximizing the use of available space was a top priority. To replace the antiquated, undersized facilities, an existing, underutilized building on the campus was demolished to create the site for the new facility. To maximize the development of the site, the project was designed for future vertical expansion of approximately four additional levels.
The design of the Surgical and Heart Center embraces the urban nature of Grant Medical Center. Architecturally, the building’s dominant feature is a four-story circular glass rotunda. The rotunda visually announces the entry and is an urban landmark for Columbus. The rotunda waiting areas frame views of the city with full walls of glass, flooding the spaces with natural light. At night the rotunda is illuminated, acting as a beacon to identify the main entrance.
The building is open, connecting with the surrounding urban landscape. The interior design focuses on providing spaces that give visitors a wide range of amenities including: a gift shop; a café and bakery with wireless Internet; outdoor patio spaces; including a roof top patio. The main lobby of the hospital is designed as neighborhood gathering place in addition to a resource for those using the facility. The lobby is a showcase for artwork by local artisans and is highlighted with a monumental stair that provides convenient access to second floor waiting areas.
Elements designed to improve the experience of patients and families continue throughout. Visitors and patients enter the Surgery Center and are treated to a spacious reception and family waiting space. Here, family members have room to relax and spread-out in comfortable “living room” accommodations.