VCU news

By Justin Hurdle
VCU Communications and Public Relations

The Children’s Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) pediatric emergency room received two awards from the Virginia/West Virginia Chapter’s 2011 International Interior Design Association for its state-of-the-art, rainforest-themed emergency room.

The CHoR project won the “Brightest Idea Award,” a prize the judges award the project that they feel exceeds every entry in all categories. The new pediatric emergency room also took first place in the “Contract Healthcare” category.

“We are very excited to have received these awards,” said Laura Dyer, vice president of HKS Inc., the international architecture and interior design firm that designed the facility. “The relationship between the VCU Health System and HKS during this project was a great experience.”

According to Dyer, the rainforest-themed facility was designed to help children and their families feel more at ease in a hospital environment. Elements such as oversized leaves, water, lily pads, tree frogs and monarch butterflies are there to stimulate children’s imaginations and provide a learning experience.  

The 10,727 square-foot CHoR pediatric emergency room has 12 exam rooms, one pediatric X-ray room and additional support spaces. It also offers 24-hour access to all pediatric specialists and features a dedicated entrance separate from the adult emergency department.

The project was completed in December 2010 and is located in the Critical Care Hospital at the VCU Medical Center.