Skip to content
SSM St. Mary's in Janesville WI

Evidence-Based Design Case Studies

SSM St. Mary’s Hospital & Dean Clinic – Janesville

An Evidence-Based Design Approach

Evidence-Based Design Goal

ERDMAN’s goal was to create a warm, inviting, calm and patient-centered environment for patients and staff.

Challenge

The facility planning and construction occurred during a time of acute economic hardship for the community. The closing of a large local automobile assembly plant, in tandem with pressures from the national recession, caused the Janesville metropolitan area to have the highest unemployment rate in the state. With patient and staff satisfaction goals in mind, the project team was challenged to create a facility that met the highest standards for design and quality – while at the same time reflected the local culture, identity, and landscape.

Solution

Critical design decisions throughout the facility were informed by both regional influences and evidence-based research, particularity those that relied on the use of natural elements.

The following strategies worked together to create a place that patients and staff would find welcoming, comfortable, and familiar:

  • Artwork: Local artists were commissioned to create pieces to make the space feel warm and familiar to patients, and to serve as a positive distraction. One example is a sculpture that was designed for the Pediatrics department. This tree – made of poured glass and wrought iron – evokes a park environment, is symbolic of growth through the four changing seasons, honors Janesville’s identity as a “Tree City,” and is an effective way-finding landmark.
  • Views of nature: Oversized windows are integrated throughout the facility to connect to the natural environment and reduce patient anxiety. Most patient areas and waiting rooms are designed with outdoor views.
  • Healing Garden: A healing garden with walking trails, an intimate meditative hollow, a spiritual labyrinth, and a variety of nature landscaping was designed as a critical element of the campus for patient and staff respite. It includes a patio adjacent to the oncology unit, allowing for patient choice and flexibility in their treatment environment.
  • Finishes and Materials: The pallet of the interior elements such as paint, decorative wall panel and graphic images, flooring, furniture, and upholstery patterns and textures, was inspired by the local landscape of wheat grass and open farm fields.
  • Environmental consciousness: A variety of patient-focused strategies – influenced by the LEED system – were implemented to conserve natural resources, use of low-emitting materials and finishes, and leverage natural daylight.

EVIDENCE-BASED
DESIGN STEPS USED

DEFINE EBD GOALS & OBJECTIVES active icon

DEFINE EBD GOALS & OBJECTIVES

FIND SOURCES FOR RELEVANT EVIDENCE active icon

FIND SOURCES FOR RELEVANT EVIDENCE

CRITICALLY INTERPRET RELEVANT EVIDENCE active icon

CRITICALLY INTERPRET RELEVANT EVIDENCE

CREATE & INNOVATE EBD CONCEPTS active icon

CREATE & INNOVATE EBD CONCEPTS

CREATE & INNOVATE EBD CONCEPTS inactive icon

DEVELOP A HYPOTHESIS

COLLECT BASELINE PERFORMANCE MEASURES inactive icon

COLLECT BASELINE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

MONITOR DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION inactive icon

MONITOR DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

MEASURE POST OCCUPANCY RESULTS inactive icon

MEASURE POST OCCUPANCY RESULTS

Would you like to learn more?

Sign up for our emails to get an exclusive first look at industry insights, insider news, the latest happenings at ERDMAN, and more!

ERDMAN / MORE CASE STUDIES

ERDMAN / MORE CASE STUDIES

Family Healthcare of Hagerstown Reception
Family Healthcare of Hagerstown

Driven by the deadline of the their expiring lease, the timing of the available property, and the schedule of time needed to explore potential project partners, the decision was made to use an integrated project delivery method.

Read More
chef at Riverside Senior Life
Riverside Senior Life

ERDMAN’s goal for Riverside Senior Life was to create an assisted living environment that offers an exceptional resident experience through a design that emulates a home-like environment and supports operational efficiencies.

Read More

ERDMAN / MORE CASE STUDIES

Pocket Neighborhoods: Concepts for Senior Living

As senior living owners and operators consider adding cottages or villas as an on-site solution to expand their community, incorporating pocket neighborhoods should be considered due to the unique benefits they offer in fostering community, enhancing resident well-being, and improving the overall appeal of their facilities.

Read More
To Download Our Insights,
Please Tell Us a Little About Yourself
ERDMAN INSIGHTS + NEWS

Join Our Online Community

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

By submitting this form I agree to receiving marketing communications from ERDMAN