Inner Design Studio Challenges Design Norms with Loma Linda University Medical Center
Nashville-based interior design firm incorporates high-end resort elements in hospital interior
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 16, 2011 – Walking into the new Loma Linda University Medical Center in Murrieta, Calif. (LLUMC), it seems like you’ve entered the lobby of an exclusive resort instead of a hospital.
Nestled in the stunning Hogback Hills in Southern California, the new medical center welcomes patients with a bright environment contrasted against a color palette of sky blues and dark wood veneers that mimics the qualities of a luxury hotel.
This 248,000-square-foot medical center was intended to be a calm, caring oasis for guests who seek a more elegantly comfortable experience than is typically found in healthcare facilities. LLUMC leadership envisioned a high-tech, high-touch healing facility with specific color schemes and design aspects that challenged the norms of healthcare interior design.
In realizing the clients’ vision, Inner Design Studio of Nashville, Tenn. designed a facility that many healthcare designers may find controversial, in that white – which more easily shows wear and soiling than darker colors – is prominently featured in the color scheme.
“When we sat down with Loma Linda leaders, they described a clean, white environment with a technologically advanced appearance that evoked the feeling of visiting a five-star hotel,” said Rebecca Donner, managing principal of Inner Design Studio and head designer for the Loma Linda project. “This was a new challenge for me as a healthcare interior designer. We re-considered many of our industry’s design norms and reinvented products to meet the clients’ requests. We also made sure that the client was aware that using such a light color would require a greater commitment to maintenance to keep the facility looking pristine, which is a commitment they were willing to make.”
“Of course, hearing that a client is willing to do what it takes to assure that a hospital presents the best possible image is music to a designer’s ears,” Donner added. “This was truly a dream project. Of course, it could have been a nightmare if it wasn't done right. Our goal was to fully meet client expectations while creating a durable, aesthetically pleasing design that complied with California’s strict healthcare design codes.”
The unique Loma Linda experience begins in its two-story main lobby, which features a custom espresso veneered paneled ceiling, white walls and a multi-colored pattern terrazzo floor, accented with espresso vinyl sofas and offset by spa blue vinyl and fabric upholstered cube club chairs and customized lighting. In addition, the main wall features a 46-foot glass-like (actually poly-resin by 3-form) installation with LED lights that illuminate the motto of Loma Linda University, “To Make Man Whole.” On one lobby accent wall Donner reinvented the use of wavy lined drywall to mimic water, creating a uniquely calming result while also reducing the health hazards of using an actual waterscape that the client initially requested. Completing the lobby is a standup computer center for staff and guests with wireless Internet access, a lobby design first for Inner Design Studio.
“Since the hospital is surrounded by mountains, we crafted our design to enhance the natural light and capture the surrounding views,” said Donner. “We also knew the lobby would be the most important area for presenting a wonderful first impression to incoming patients and family members. So we started there to make the facility seem as modern and contemporary as possible while maintaining that feeling of warmth and luxury.”
With no detail unturned, Loma Linda’s hospital rooms emanate the same contemporary, luxurious feel. Each private hospital room continues the espresso laminate theme throughout the cabinets and doors and features customized Italian light fixtures, a translucent head wall built from 3-form, and custom-built patient information boards.
“All patient rooms have custom furnishings, breath taking views and an abundant amount of natural light, which gives the patient the ability to connect with the outdoors," said Donner. “In addition to creating these great patient spaces, we also wanted to facilitate caregivers, physicians and staff into our design.”
With that in mind, Inner Design worked with architects to create an efficient layout that required fewer steps for the staff in carrying out their duties. For the medical staff, Inner Design created physician lounges that have the welcoming feel of a country club locker room, including separate physician sleeping quarters. The medical center’s patient floor waiting rooms (at the end of each corridor) feature clear glass walls that allow the outdoor views and natural light to be visible to the staff throughout their shifts.
“This project was all about being creative within boundaries,” said Donner. “It’s the client’s facility, and their vision. And it’s my job as a designer to deliver a timeless design that meets all code standards and client expectations.”
For more information about the Loma Linda project or Inner Design Studio, Nashville’s only healthcare interior design firm, visit the website at http://www.innerdesignstudio.com/.
About Inner Design Studio
Inner Design Studio was founded in 1993 to offer experienced interior design services to the Healthcare Community. As the only healthcare interior design firm in the Nashville market, it has a strong team of experienced and highly motivated designers who continue to develop long term relationships based upon successful working projects. Inner Design Studio has designed more than 492 Medical Facilities throughout the United States since its inception including 224 ambulatory surgery centers, 47 diagnostic centers, 41 occupational medical centers, 88 hospitals, 47 private practice physician groups and 45 medical office plazas. The firm currently designs for healthcare companies as HCA-The Healthcare Company, LifePoint Hospitals, AmSurg, Universal Health Services, Carolinas HealthCare System and Ameris Health Systems.
About Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta
Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta (LLUMC-M) is the fulfillment of a vision shared by dedicated local physicians, community members, LLUMC leadership, local and state governments to create a world-class community hospital.
Our campus serves the community with a new, state-of the art medical facility that blends the best of the local medical community and the 105-year legacy of the Seventh-day Adventist owned and operated, Loma Linda University Medical Center. LLUMC-Murrieta is home to a 248,000 square foot acute care hospital with 106 inpatient beds, and a 160,000 square foot Professional Office Building. The facility blends the latest technology with high-touch care, and a calm, healing environment.
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Jeff Bradford/Natalie Townsend
info@bradfordgrp.com
(615) 515-4888
