St. Elizabeth Healthcare – Florence Orthopedic Expansion

Project Narrative

A distinct public identity, strong visual connections to healing elements, and forms inspired by the rich history of a critical community organization…these are the key elements of the transformation of St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s Florence campus.

As part of a master plan to establish an Orthopedic Center of Excellence, the project redefines the campus with an addition and renovation that brings new life to an aging campus. Layered building volumes peel outward expressing the inner program, improving the connection of the staff and patients to the outdoors, while also establishing a clear sense of place. A key move reimagines the entire entry sequence, extending greenspace from the existing rose garden into the new entrance to strengthen campus identity and create a memorable, healing arrival. This also allows for a much safer and more intuitive entry route for patients, visitors, and staff – all while keeping the signature lobby addition in visual focus.

Rooted in Saint Elizabeth’s patronage of lace makers, the exterior expression draws inspiration from the delicacy and intricacy of lace – using light to evoke transparency, and dynamic, flowing forms. The patterned structure both limits heat gain on the glassy façade, and provides rich, ever-changing forms on the walls and floors. This light play is not the only biophilic design element that is central to the lobby. A transparent plane between the new public concourse and surrounding rose garden sets the stage from the moment visitors arrive, fostering a calming, restorative environment. The design enhances patient, family, and staff journeys with clear, separated circulation routes. Visitors benefit from intuitive wayfinding and immersion in the surrounding garden to offer moments of calm, while staff enjoy efficient pathways that protect privacy and support quality care. The resulting design is both thoughtful and contextual – connected to the site’s history, deliberate in its materiality and massing – and dedicated to enhancing the human experience.

                                           

Project Details -

Submission Category

Building Architecture- Large Scale (>10,000 sf)

Date of Completion

June, 2024