At CDI Solutions, we were privileged to design the Newborn and Infant Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for Woman's Hospital Newborn / Infant Care Unit, one of Louisiana’s premier Level III Regional Referral Centers in obstetrics and neonatology. This state-of-the-art facility not only delivers advanced medical care but also integrates a thoughtful design focused on healing newborns and their families' comfort and engagement. Our design concept centers on single-family rooms, a significant departure from traditional NICU layouts. These private rooms foster a deep bond between parents and their infants, encouraging family involvement in the care process. This is critical for a baby’s recovery, allowing families to focus entirely on their child’s needs without the stress of a shared space. By prioritizing the family experience, CDI Solutions created an environment where babies and families can thrive.

Collaboration was critical to the success of this project. Our team worked closely with NICU staff, including doctors, nurses, and parents of current and former NICU patients, to develop a comforting and easy-to-navigate design. The overarching theme of "underwater" was chosen to create a serene and engaging atmosphere, incorporating design elements that evoke a calming, oceanic environment. This thematic approach not only soothes patients and their families but also aids in wayfinding and reduces stress for visitors and staff alike. The NICU is organized into several PODs, each named after sea creatures such as Sea Turtles, Sea Horses, Starfish, and Fish. Each room's PODs and unique color designations simplify navigation and reinforce the underwater theme. The result is an intuitive, visually appealing system that enhances the efficiency of caregivers' and visitors' experiences.

The underwater theme flows seamlessly through every detail of the NICU. At the entrance to each POD, materials and finishes evoke the ocean, with carpet patterns mimicking the ripples of a sandy ocean floor and contrasting laminate wall colors suggesting rolling waves. Cool blue walls evoke the ocean and provide therapeutic benefits for newborns. Deeper hues on the soffits offer an abstract ocean view, creating a fully immersive experience as soon as one enters the space. The theme is further reinforced in the patient rooms through vinyl window graphics, patterned carpet tiles, and customized signage. These elements are designed to maintain safety by keeping sightlines open while ensuring thematic continuity throughout the unit. The patient headwalls feature finishes that echo the overall hospital design, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort for families transitioning from labor and delivery to the NICU. Using materials like mother-of-pearl sheet vinyl and shell-composite solid surfacing enhances the underwater aesthetic and meets the stringent regulatory requirements of a healthcare setting. Custom sconce lights on the headwalls feature sea creature graphics, adding a whimsical touch to the room.

Art also plays a key role in the design, with eight unique images featuring sea creatures used throughout the patient room corridors. Each POD is represented by its designated sea creature, and the cohesive color palette reinforces the underwater theme while making wayfinding easier for staff and families. To enhance the immersive experience, we designed vinyl decals featuring kelp, coral, bubbles, and various sea creatures placed on each patient room’s walls. These decals bring the underwater theme to life, creating a calming, child-friendly atmosphere promoting healing. Wayfinding strategies developed by CDI Solutions integrate signage, artwork, and architectural features to make navigating the facility intuitive and stress-free. By merging function, comfort, and aesthetics, we have created an environment where infants and their families feel supported.

Key focal points within the NICU include the main reception desk and nurses’ stations. The reception desk introduces visitors to the underwater theme with finishes that blend seamlessly into the hospital's overall design. Thoughtful security measures like glass panels ensure communication while maintaining restricted access. Inspired by the starfish concept, the nurses' stations provide operational efficiency while reinforcing the thematic elements. This NICU project exemplifies CDI Solutions’ dedication to designing innovative, patient-centered healthcare spaces that foster healing, comfort, and family engagement.