Christiana Care Health Services
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Christiana, DE

This one-of-a-kind, 40-bed NICU embodies the vision of its Medical Director, Dr. John Stephano and his staff to provide the smallest and sickest of babies as close to a womb-like environment as possible.  As project manager and senior designer, we worked closely with the staff to select  colors and finishes which gave a warm, comforting and personalized experience to each family during a time of stress and anxiety.

Unlike the typical, sterile NICU with its hard surfaces and screaming monitors, the arm-like footprint of each bed position creates a private zone for parents and staff alike.  From fetal monitoring to security to lighting, technology plays a vital role in the NICU without overwhelming the new parent.  The selection of flooring finishes was made after extensive research with other NICU staffs around the country and with the facility’s maintenance staff.  The carpet tiles provide acoustic absorption as well as comfort underfoot for staff, while the vinyl-impregnated wood flooring gives a rich warmth and yet cleanability to the bassinette area.