Accommodations for All
To ensure that the new space was designed to effectively serve the needs of patients and staff, the team constructed mock-up rooms on the campus to gather feedback from hospital clinicians. This allowed the design team to refine details such as the strategic placement of nursing support spaces, decentralized supply storage, and custom-designed cabinets for personal protective equipment to improve operational efficiency.
Patient rooms in the new tower were designed to accommodate the latest medical technology while fostering a comfortable, yet modern environment for both patients and their families. To support family members, each patient room includes a ‘family-zone’ with a sleeper sofa, allowing loved ones to remain close to the patient.
Functional Flow
The layout and design foster a more efficient and supportive environment for healthcare providers, with nurse workstations positioned adjacent to patient rooms to facilitate increased bedside care. Additionally, a procedure room within the critical care unit improves operational efficiency for physicians and providers while allowing patients to receive treatment on the unit without transport to the main surgical department. Each room also includes a designated ‘safe-zone’ to protect patients from airborne diseases, and patient safety features are highlighted with clear, accessible signage.
Another key strategic design feature is the relocation of the helipad to the critical care tower’s roof, which now places it in closer proximity to the acute care departments including the emergency department, surgery center, and critical care units.
Pathways to Patient Care
The overall interior aesthetic employs a soothing palette of blue and green accent colors complemented by natural wood tones, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere that promotes healing. Feature walls with local imagery reinforce the hospital’s connection to Winston-Salem, while also helping patients, visitors, and staff easily find their way. An integrated signage and wayfinding system was incorporated above the first floor, streamlining navigation by eliminating unnecessary posters and distractions.
Modern Materials & Ties to Tradition
The exterior design draws inspiration from the existing campus architecture to create continuity. The use of brick references the traditional materials prevalent throughout the campus, while aluminum composite panels and expansive glass elements bring a contemporary touch. A signature steel and glass canopy welcomes visitors, not only providing a covered, inviting space for arrivals but also allowing drive-up access while maintaining an open, accessible entry. The addition is carefully integrated with the existing building, overcoming design constraints such as 12-foot floor to floor heights—an element that would have been increased to 14 feet had it not been for structural limitations. The result is a facility that seamlessly combines functionality, aesthetic appeal, and future adaptability. The design also anticipates future growth, with the building engineered for vertical expansion.
The Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center tower expansion and renovation project represents a forward-thinking approach to healthcare design, combining state-of-the-art medical facilities with a deep respect for local culture and community ties. The integration of thoughtful design, modern materials, and an emphasis on patient and staff comfort ensures that the facility will continue to serve the community for years to come, with the flexibility to accommodate future growth and technological advancements.