Since March, three hospital projects designed by The S/L/A/M Collaborative, Inc. (SLAM) have been honored by the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA), Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut (CT ABC) and CREW CT - The Real Estate Exchange (CREW CT).
The ACHA honored Griffin Hospital in Derby with a 2014 Inaugural Legacy Project Award at its national conference in Florida. The ACHA Legacy Project Award was created to honor projects whose original innovation was sustained through time. William Karanian, AIA, ACHA, a principal with SLAM, and Griffin Hospital architect for more than two decades, nominated the hospital, and is the architect of record. Patrick Charmel is Griffin's president CEO.
"Griffin represents an extraordinary translation of a culture and philosophy into design. Its legacy is that Griffin successfully demonstrates how a project can directly and positively influence human behavior," said juror Philip Tobey, FAIA, FACHA, senior vice president of SmithGroup, JJR.
According to the judges, a tour of the finalists revealed that Griffin Hospital was ahead of its time and, as a result, there have been virtually no changes to the physical plant (North Wing). However, the project submitted was not just about the North Wing, but also a holistic look at all renovations which maintains a consistency throughout the complex with materials and colors. There are no "haves" and "have nots." The hospital pioneered many innovative concepts in design and operation that have become commonplace in today's hospitals with emphasis on the family.
Saint Francis Hospital's new Innovation + Learning Center won two awards at the CT ABC annual Excellence in Construction awards event. The project was honored with both the 2014 Excellence in Construction Award and the People's Choice Award.
"This award from the Connecticut Association of Builders and Contractors recognizes Saint Francis' commitment to providing top-quality care in building and facilities," said Bob Falaguerra, vice president, Facilities for the 117 year-old anchor, 617-bed, major teaching institution in north central Connecticut.
The 13,500 s/f Innovation + Learning Center is home to the Connecticut Institute for Primary Care Innovation. The space includes a collaborative theater to support teaching and training for clinicians and their teams; a simulation studio with a flexible floor plan for patient flow and office re-design analyses, as well as simulations to improve procedural skills, communication and teamwork; multiple locations for interactive learning, debriefing, and high-definition video-conferencing.
The YNHH Greenwich Hospital, Bendheim Cancer Center was honored at the CREW CT 2014 Blue Ribbon Awards with an award for Best Interior Design. This annual awards program recognizes and honors excellence in real estate accomplishments in Connecticut. The Bendheim Cancer Center is part of the Smilow Hospital's Greenwich Hospital Campus. The Center utilizes the latest in advanced technology with a nurturing, patient-centered, healing environment to bring the highest standard of cancer care and support to patients and their families. This project enabled YNHH system to share the expertise of a world-class research institution at the community level.
Renovations to the Center included replacing and expanding the existing 2nd floor infusion area adjacent to the Radiation Oncology suite. New construction included 13 semi-private infusion bays, two private infusion bays, exam rooms, physician offices, clinical and staff support spaces.