Creating the children's hospital of the future
Bruce Komiske brings a wealth of international experience to his role as chief of new hospital design and construction at Children’s Memorial Hospital. He’s had the opportunity to plan, build, operate and inspire philanthropic support for a number of hospitals throughout the world, including the University of California in San Francisco and the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in New York.
Internationally speaking, where have you worked, consulted or lectured on hospital planning?
I’ve had the privilege to work with hospitals in England, Eastern Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Middle East, including Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Kuwait.
What was it like living and planning a hospital in a Middle Eastern country such
as Qatar?
Working in Qatar was one of my most memorable professional experiences. During a nine-month period, I led the schematic design of Sidra Medical and Research Centre, which is a major new women’s and children’s hospital in Doha, Qatar, a country the size of Connecticut. The project has slightly more beds than Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and will cost approximately three times more — over $3 billion.
The most challenging aspect from my perspective was that the entire user group consisted of one person, and we did not have the option to involve local physicians and nurses in the design process. Despite these challenges, the hospital, which is scheduled to open in mid 2012, will be spectacular and will transform healthcare in the Middle East.
What have you learned from your international projects that has enhanced the
creation of Lurie Children’s?
I’ve learned that American standards and guidelines (e.g., American Institute of Architects, The Joint Commission, American Society for Healthcare Engineering) are the “gold standard” no matter where one lives in the world. The second is that projects are only as good as the vision and team empowered to carry them out. Lastly, site visits of comparable projects and talking with your peers at similar institutions is very valuable.
You are known for designing hospitals that reflect the local culture. Can you give us an example with an overseas project, as well as Lurie Children’s?
Before Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects started the design in Qatar, we made sure that they spent
some time touring the country and observing the culture. I also met with the Minister of Museums and a local sheik who had a priceless collection of art, photos, cars and historic artifacts, to see if they would be interested in participating in the interior design of the project.
In Chicago, our design charrette in 2008 took this concept to a level that has never been
attempted anywhere in the world. We engaged 20 of Chicago’s cultural icons to brainstorm
creative public spaces in the new facility. By engaging these leading institutions, we believe that Lurie Children’s will not only be of the highest quality in medicine and research, but also will set a new standard for healing environments around the world.
What are some of the distinguishing features that will make this new facility one of a world-class caliber?
Lurie Children’s will set a new benchmark for a freestanding, urban children’s hospital. The
fact that it will be the tallest children’s hospital in the world at its completion is not only an interesting distinction, but one that is very important in demonstrating that a “vertical hospital” can make the best use of a limited site while minimizing transportation times and maximizing patient safety.
The 5,000 sq. ft. Sky Garden, designed by internationally acclaimed landscape architect
Mikyoung Kim, will advance evidenced-based design principles and demonstrate the value of gardens in the healing process.
Other distinguishing features include the Regenstein Comprehensive Cardiac Care Unit, which includes beds from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric intensive care unit, along with acute care beds, all on a single floor; private rooms in the NICU that offer greater staff visibility; the clinical research unit; and “barn doors” in the patient rooms. These are a few examples of the many unique design elements that will advance health care design for facilities and designers around the world.
Why should members of the community invest in the creation of Lurie Children’s?
In my opinion, no other building in Chicago will have more of an impact on the health and
well-being of children and families than Lurie Children’s. The future site will enable us to draw on the expertise of specialists in adult and children’s medicine. By investing in Lurie Children’s, we will make the future healthier for everyone.
Next milestone: Topping off
In December 2009, Children’s Memorial will celebrate a major milestone in the construction of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago when the last steel beam is installed at the top of the building. This is known in the construction industry as the “topping off,” which traditionally involves the placement of an evergreen tree upon the
structure to symbolize growth and bring good luck. Lurie Children’s is currently on schedule for its mid 2012 opening.
This article first appeared in the Fall 2009 issue of Heroes magazine. For a dose of inspiration sent right to your inbox, sign up to receive our Heroes Update. Or read important facts about us.