Project description
This new inpatient medical center for Children’s Hospital Colorado is located on UCHealth’s Memorial North Hospital campus in Colorado Springs. The facility includes emergency services, surgery, imaging, pharmacy, infusion, inpatient care, and neurophysiology, providing a full complement of pediatric medical services within a highly coordinated campus setting.
The project was designed and constructed adjacent to, and concurrent with, a new adult women’s inpatient facility operated by UCHealth. Because the two buildings share a common corridor connection on three levels, significant coordination was required to align program needs, circulation, and infrastructure. Central utilities are provided through a shared central plant serving the full campus, while dedicated emergency power was designed specifically for the Children’s Hospital facility. The project followed an Integrated Project Delivery approach, with design and construction partners collaborating early to optimize quality, cost, and schedule.
This collaborative process created opportunities for added value through innovative technical solutions. Domestic water, waste, and vent distribution were optimized through vertical routing to reduce piping lengths and improve system fit. Detailed building envelope analysis helped reduce HVAC system cost and energy usage. Ductwork distribution was also refined to increase system flexibility and further reduce cost. These strategies, made possible through early and sustained team involvement, contributed to a highly efficient and well-coordinated pediatric facility.
Guiding Principles for the Design
- Family-Focused Care
- Integrated Project Delivery
- Patient-Centered
- Modern infrastructure
- Timeless Design
- Long-Term Adaptability
- Optimize Resources
- Continuity of Care
- Operational Efficiency
- Safety and Security