Joint and Spine Center, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH

Creating a sustainable, yet contemporary addition to an existing hospital requires impeccable design and diligence from architects. Skidmore Owings & Merrill Ohio LLC (SOM) rose to the challenge by enhancing Christ Hospital with a modern Joint and Spine Center that emphasizes wellness.

The 381,000-square-foot addition includes a new main entrance and concourse for the hospital; 87 patient rooms; 12 operating room; and education, outpatient, and support spaces. SOM created a warm and highly functional space, while providing a hospitable approach to the design.

“The new patient rooms have expansive views of the city and surrounding landscapes. They are designed with the patient’s perspective in mind,” Arthur Cantwell III, associate at SOM, said. “All spaces have access to daylight and nature.”

To continue the light and airy quality of nature on the flooring, SOM’s monolithic design called for terrazzo in the public spaces. “There is no pattern other than the zinc strips that correspond with the structural grid,” Cantwell said. “We put the focus on developing a complex formula of stones, stone sizes, and recycled glass to create a visual depth. We were able to achieve the appearance of Venetian terrazzo with epoxy terrazzo.”

Because Christ Hospital wanted visitors to experience a warm environment at the Joint and Spine Center, a rift cut oak was chosen as the wood species for the addition. The color and character of the terrazzo was chosen to enhance the quality of the wood and the space as a whole.

“Both materials work together in harmony. The floor serves to enhance the continuity of the public space.” Cantwell said. “The terrazzo has a beautiful natural character while being a man-made product. It is timeless.”

See Related Projects