A Detailed Look

With large scale projects like our recently completed Children’s Hospital at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, it can be difficult to absorb all the details within the design. From the entrance to the patient experience, we explored options, collaborated with artists and examined details from every angle. Take a closer look at three of these instances.

INTEGRATED ART: NATURE MURALS
The design team collaborated with Henry Domke, a physician and nature photographer, to create a series of large glass murals across the building. The major feature of the public space is the 80 foot long Nature Wall, an interactive series of glass murals that connect the entry lobby with the dining area and outdoor Children’s Courtyard. The wall incorporates primary theming components, such as “knot-holes” with custom nature videos and colorful “lightsticks,” both controlled by children.

FORM AND DETAIL
The Waterfall Wall is an abstract series of glass planes cascading down the east end of the building’s two limestone and granite piers — presenting a unique view at the ends of patient floors. Its colorful qualities change from day to night, animating the facade. Similarly, the landscape on the roof terrace also change seasonally: sedum plantings shift in color from winter to spring to summer, bringing a colorful, lively feel to this area of retreat.

INTEGRATED ART: SCULPTURE
Located across from the entry path, within the central landscape, is “the Promise,” a large scale piece by metal sculptor Albert Paley, specially commissioned for this project. The design team collaborated with the artist in determining its location, alignment and relationship with the north façade of the Children’s Hospital, as well as its unique lighting scheme.