Susan T. Williams, AIA E. Lynn App Architects, Inc. Project Manager Englewood, Ohio Cynthia A. Burger, RN, BSN Director, NICU/Fourth Floor The Children's Medical Center Dayton, Ohio

The modern, highly technical neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is credited with significant increases in survival rates of premature infants. But, current research indicates that these units, with continuous activity, bright lights and high noise levels, create potentially detrimental effects on an infant’s short- and long-term development. This environment also alienates the family. Environmentally sensitive units have shown to decrease stressors, therefore enhancing growth, leading to shorter hospital stays, reducing hospital charges, and encouraging participation of the families in an infant’s care (Als, 1994).

The NICU at The Children’s Medical Center Dayton, Ohio, is a level III, 31 bed regional referral center for a 20 county service area. In 1997 the unit was renovated using research and data concerning the effect of the environment on neonatal development. This knowledge base was used to guide the vision, justify the expense, and serve as a basis for decision making throughout the project.

Creating an environmentally sensitive unit encompassed every design aspect from overall space planning to locating outlets. The well designed space plan enhances efficiency for staff and provides privacy for infants and families. Using indirect light and individually controlled bedside lighting lowered overall light levels. Including exterior windows provided for the diurnal cycling of light. Using sound absorbing materials aided in bringing down decibel levels. Technically advanced carpets and fabrics were used in areas that would not have been acceptable a few years ago. This carefully designed environment is helping to counter balance the realities of the harsh clinical setting.

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