Critical Decision Unit in the Emergency Department Saint Anthony Medical Center Rockford Emergency Department Observation Unit

Hallway Saint Anthony Medical Center Rockford Emergency Department Observation Unit

Nurse Station at Saint Anthony Medical Center Rockford Emergency Department Observation Unit

Emergency Department and Observation Unit at Saint Anthony Medical Center

Located in Rockford, IL

This project involved the renovation of an existing security and locker room space located within a fully operational hospital into a 9-bed observation unit. The primary challenge was fitting the program requirements into the allotted space, which presented unique design constraints due to the irregular shape of the area, the presence of structural bearing walls, and complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) routing.

Our team took an innovative approach to overcome these obstacles. A key success was creatively utilizing an existing opening in a multi-story bearing wall, allowing essential circulation without significant structural modifications. This minimized disruption and preserved the integrity of the building’s structure.

Throughout the project, we collaborated closely with end users, approaching the design process much like solving a game of Tetris. We worked together to prioritize spatial needs, ensuring all program elements were incorporated effectively while meeting the unit’s operational goals. This hands-on partnership allowed us to navigate the intricate spatial challenges and deliver a functional, efficient observation unit.