Features

UKIDS CENTER

 

Families love the
convenience
features like
washers and dryers

Switchable/dimmable
lights to fit the mood

Lighting designs
won National and
International awards

Art carts and chart
carts help keep staff
with the patients

Using patient art and innovative lighting, Close Associates made the University of Minnesota Hospitals Children’s Center more comfortable and user-friendly to young patients and their families. In collaboration with ceramic artist Tom Lane, Gar Hargens worked to create a Patient/Alumni Wall of colorful tiles at the Center’s entry—children glaze tiles for the wall during their visits. A volunteer greeter station welcomes and directs families to either water or land themed corridors. Sculptured clouds identify patient/family room entrances and nursing stations. Children’s drawings slide into backlit “door brights” or larger “display brights.” On U-Kids, Close Associates worked with Schuler & Shook Inc, Architectural Theater and Lighting Consultants. U-Kids received Regional and International Illumination Design Awards from the IES-IIDA.