Pediatric healthcare isn’t just a smaller version of adult care — it’s an entirely different experience that requires tailored environments. With more than five million youth hospitalizations annually, purpose-built spaces for children are essential to improving outcomes.
The goal is simple yet profound: create healthcare settings where children feel safe, supported and even inspired. That means spaces filled with natural light, technology that connects and empowers young patients, scaled-down environments and playful design touches that spark wonder. Just as important, designs prioritize the comfort and efficiency of families and care teams, because healing is a collective experience.
This kind of holistic, youth-centric hospital design is exemplified in the new Arthur M. Blank Children’s Hospital in Atlanta. Below, WSP’s Douglas Lacy, senior vice president and the project’s lead, shares best practices for pediatric healthcare design with Commercial Construction & Renovation magazine.
