Rapid advancements in healthcare practices have had dramatic impact on the importance of facilities and environments. The growing focus on patient outcomes and evidence-based design translates directly to an increased emphasis on the quality of the physical surroundings and open space amenities of healthcare campuses. In reaction to this evolution, Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Washington University Medical Campus, St. Louis’ largest hospital system, took a hard look at its amalgamated footprint and devised a long-term plan for unification.

The Campus Renewal Project took on the onerous task of redesigning and transforming the district through new construction and strategic renovations. Campus Renewal vowed a holistic approach to the three distinct entities to ensure these buildings and clinical spaces function effectively, efficiently, and safely – enabling clinicians and caregivers to offer the best possible care.

In Phase 3, the Kingshighway Streetscape, DTLS utilizes the standards from Phase 1 of The Campus Renewal Project by continuing updating the streetscape to accommodate the new facilities and encourage a vibrant pedestrian space that is responsive to its environmental context.

This phase also includes two green roofs with access to tranquil areas that allow patients and staff to promote healing. Phase 4, the front entry, continues the established streetscape and planting standards along Hospital Drive and the drop-off.

Porous pavers allow infiltration of stormwater, while continuous plant trenches utilize engineered soils promote root growth for a healthy landscape. The plant palette is comprised of native species or adaptive cultivars, celebrating Missouri’s indigenous plant communities. The goal is to create a biophillic landscape that comforts by connecting patients, staff and the general public to nature.