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Rush Copley Medical Center
ER Addition & Renovation
Award of Merit: Health Care
The Rush Copley Medical Center in west-suburban Aurora, Ill.,
has experienced tremendous growth in its Emergency Department
visits due to the growing community and younger families.
Indeed, patient volume has more than tripled within the current
footprint, and an expansion was planned.
Before the project, the Emergency Department was 8,700 sq.
ft. and held 12 rooms to accommodate 24,000 visits.
Five rooms were added in 2002 when visits reached 34,000.
The current volume of visits is 46,000, and the goal was to
have 27 rooms to accommodate 54,000 visits, expandable to
30-plus rooms for 60,000 visits.
The expansion created a 20,331-sq.-ft. ER space. The site
plan incorporated some elements already in existence, along
with some major changes.
A Contemporary Look
The contemporary exterior and interior are a result of the
hospital's CEO's vision in part because the sophisticated look
enhances the hospital's mission of care.
The addition's exterior creates a signature tall gateway for
ER patients.
Curved and segmented glass panels allow the ER to be bright
in daylight and glow at night, allowing for easy visibility
for hurried patients.
The layout allows the hospital the flexibility to manage two
distinct areas for better patient care. There is easy access
to radiology and the operating rooms.
Clear highlighting of the reception counter provides staff efficiency
and visitor clarity.
Dark walnut finished was used with neutral ochre, stone, soft
sage, and green-based blue to make a calming statement. Slightly
intensified color and patterns highlight the ER.
The project was to be accomplished without a reduction in quality
of patient care while also accommodating larger patient volume
and minimal disruption to the patient's experience. As a result,
a multiphase project was implemented to ensure progress.
Jury Comments: "They seemed to do a lot on the design side
and made this a people space. The exterior has a nice curve."
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