Project: Capital Medical Center in Hopewell, New Jersey

Sara Pepitone -- Interior Design, 11/1/2012 1:30:00 PM

Project: Capital Health Medical Center ­ Hopewell Location: Hopewell, New Jersey Architects: Array Healthcare Facilities Solutions; HFS, Inc. Completed: January 2012 Square Feet: 925,000 Budget: $342 million

At the Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell (the second of two facilities in this hospital system), Array Healthcare Facilities Solutions focused on the trend of merging hospitality and healthcare. Then the King of Prussia, PA-based firm pushed it to the limit (read: a coffee shop, a bistro, a roof garden, a business center, a public resource library, retail shops, and a spa) to meet the client's goal of "I can't believe it's a hospital". Yes, spa. In addition to massage, facials, manicures and pedicures, the Spa - located between the Outpatient and Oncology Registration desks - offers wig fittings and alternative therapies.

Because the hospitality aspect was so much a part of the project DNA, creating the patient and visitor experience was paramount," says Patricia Malick, lead interior designer.  "We were not looking for it to be overly grand, but to have a sense of graciousness, to set the tone of world class care."

Materials used were carefully considered, both for the aesthetic and the practical (wear; ability to sanitize; environmental-friendliness; cost). "Familiar, regional materials blend the comfortable, warm, inviting facility with the progressive, modern form of the building," says Malick. There's natural limestone underfoot; textured fieldstone, dimensional natural wood in walnut tones, rich, terracotta-hued venetian plaster, and cast glass embedded with real wildflowers and grasses, to help set the expectation for a quality, gracious treatment.

Within the inpatient units, says Malick, luxury vinyl tile in stone and wood motifs were accented with careful use of beautiful accents derived from the surrounding pastoral landscapes. All art was sourced from artists living and working in the region. Outside, landscaped courtyards and gardens are apparent from the moment of entry. A roof garden is located so infusion patients can enjoy a view. "These individually crafted landscapes provide a healing environment with an exceptional level of human experience, while communicating a cohesive attitude of hospitality throughout the facility," says Malick.

Having a range of dining options also contributes to the hospitality feel of the facility. And patients can order meals and snacks from a full scale restaurant-style menu through the At Your Request room service program. Sounds like a great way to heal.

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