Rush University Medical Center Standards

Gensler surveyed key stakeholders at Rush University Medical Center as the team conceptualized and evaluated facility design guidelines, which will inform all future ambulatory projects within the network. The developed standards detail everything from the architectural layout to finishes to furniture selections, and incorporate common outpatient facility room types, such as public spaces, clinical spaces, staff support areas and administrative spaces. The design team used initial feedback from staff surveys and best-practice research to create mock-ups of two care team and four exam room designs. Stakeholders, including caregivers, patients, and representatives from facilities, infection-control, security, ergonomics, and materials management, then used a Gensler-designed survey app to provide final feedback. The outcome was the prototype design of an ideal exam pod that elevates the patient experience and supports lean operations, future flexibility, and reduced costs.