Crystal Clinic

Hospitality-Inspired Healthcare Experience

The Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center in Ohio is one of only a few specialty hospitals in the world dedicated exclusively to orthopaedic, musculoskeletal and reconstructive care. Located in a beautiful, park-like setting, the hospital is an oasis of calm providing restful spaces that support the healing process.

The 167,500-square-foot hospital has three levels with 12 operating rooms, 60 private patient rooms, and a QuickCare facility to provide immediate, specialized walk-in urgent care for sports and orthopaedic injuries. Responding to the unique needs of their patient population, the client had a strong desire to provide a hospital that did not look or feel like a hospital, but rather a hotel.

That approach informed design decisions throughout the project, from space planning and scale choices to the color palette and material selection. The team focused on designing an efficient, but welcoming and comfortable environment. Using Lean process improvement strategies, the team examined everyday activities to eliminate waste by creating efficiencies to minimize wait times for patients, require fewer steps for staff and improving circulation for all building users. These strategies sought to improve patient outcomes and create the best overall experience for both patients and caregivers.

The hospitality feel starts at the way patients can find and approach the building, enter, and be welcomed by the staff.  The human scale of the building creates an immediate sense of comfort, and upon entering there is a logical sequence for patients, supported by hotel-like lounges positioned next to windows with views to nature outside and a sophisticated, warm color palette.

On the second floor there is a pre-op waiting area with a walkout balcony offering a place of respite and showcasing views of surrounding trees, a nearby pond and the patio below.

The top floor houses patient rooms that continue the hospitality influence with muted color palettes, smart TVs and private bathrooms. All rooms include large windows to highlight views. For those on the perimeter of the building there are views of the hospital’s landscaped, tree-lined grounds, while interior rooms surround a central courtyard with a live roof, including Japanese maple trees and annual flowers.

Another noteworthy aspect of this project was the high-level of community engagement, down to the finishing touches of the artwork. Collaborations with local artists are featured throughout the hospital in both the public and patient realms, highlighting the talents of the individuals and an enhanced connection to the community.

All the unique features within this simple, yet elegant building have created an architectural experience that has been well received by the client, their patients, and staff.

Recipient of an AIA Wisconsin 2024 Merit Award, explore the project showcase here: