"The Atrium" at the Hospital for Sick Children Toronto

The Hospital for Sick Children - Atrium (Lobby)

The initial attraction to the Atrium of the Hospital for Sick Children was primarily related to the vast ceiling height ( 8 levels tall). The glass ceilings and walls throughout the hospital allow for a tremendous amount of natural light into the hospital space which evoked the feeling of freedom and vitality. The openness of the Atrium challenge the generalized notion of a hospital being a morbid space.

(Photo: Left Side of Atrium)

The Atrium incorporates the concept of Ockham's Razor as the floor

plan is a simple design as an open concept space. The Atrium is free of walls or hallways but is comprised of three distinct spaces - the cafeteria to the left, the elevators/stairs in the centre, and the information and registration area to the right. The Atrium creates an interior courtyard that allows all patient care rooms and unit play rooms to have to have access to natural light. Furthermore, the view into the Atrium from the patient care areas creates another sense of space for patients who may not be able to leave their rooms

or the floor, reducing feelings of boredom or isolation.

The best way in which the Atrium demonstrates Accessibility is through its consideration of Operability into the design. The walkways are built to accommodate for patients being transported in beds or wheel chairs with other medical equipment such as intravenous poles or oxygen tanks, making the Atrium accessible to many. Ramps are introduced to allow easy transition between the slightly elevated cafeteria and the outside steps into the hospital. Centrally located are the elevators to allow access between the patient care floors and the atrium, while a glass enclosed stair-case for those who wish to exercise between floors.

The usefulness of the Atrium has been

highly critiqued by many. As the Atrium rises to eight stories tall, a common critique of the Atrium is that the open ceiling space consumes potential the patient care areas, bringing into question the concept of "Performance vs. Preference". However, when considering the operating levels of the hospital and the ability to find staff to manage care, the extra bed-space would most likely have been unused. In the end, the physical and psychological benefits of sunlight and viewing of the Atrium was the "preference" and was chosen as the final design.

( Photo from http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/2243694078_ece626112b.jpg?v=0)

Overall, the Atrium is a powerful design and structure. All the glass windows, open space, and access to natural light create a sense of rejuvenation and happiness. To a degree, the "Aesthetic-Usability Effect" phenomenon is working in favour of the Atrium. Though the hospital is a place where sick children and their family are subjected to stressful events, the Atrium creates a cheerful and fosters a positive attitude towards coming to the hospital. The first impression of the hospital is no longer a gloomy dark space rather a desirable space to experience.

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