An Acute Care Hospital Doubles in Size to Meet Growing Needs
Located in Old Bridge, New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center is nearing the completion on its 24,000-square foot expansion. Nearly doubling the acute care hospital’s footprint for its emergency department (ED), the project sought to meet the increased demands of its local community while also broadening its emergency services.
Philadelphia and New York-based architecture and design firm FCA worked on the overall design, which includes the addition of 25 private patient rooms and the construction of a concourse linking all the campus buildings is set to improve the overall campus circulation. The expanded footprint of the ED will provide a strong connection between the hospital’s three pre-existing structures.
Colors Tell a Tale of Community and Service
The neutral concourse provides a prominent display of color, starting with the Old Bridge Blue before transitioning into the ED’s signature red.
Leaning into the hospital’s prominent role as a care center for the region, the design team designed the façade such that light would flow two ways. During the day, rich natural sunlight pours in through clear and frosted glass, while at night, the building’s interior shines through to the exterior. This symbolizes and emphasizes the facility’s position as a beacon to the community, serving patients 24 hours a day.
Upon first entry, guests are welcome at the hospitality-infused central desk, standing adjacent to the space’s new café and waiting area, which offers ample seating for guests and patients. Natural textures and patterns throughout the space contribute to a warm and calming atmosphere, providing a comfortable space for visitors to relax as they await care. Soft hues and lighting further contribute to the sense of ease that pervades the space.
Further, custom graphics and wallcoverings give the space a unique feel, grounding it in the community through a recognizable visual identity. The neutral concourse gives way to a prominent color wash, starting with the Old Bridge Medical branded blue at the main lobby and later transforming into a warm red to reinforce the emergency department walk-in entry point.
Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister site Healthcare Design.
