DLR Group led a design team to create a space for the community of patients at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

Following a detailed comparative site analysis, DLR Group’s design team located the village-like complex on a natural wooded preserve next to a shopping center, a hotel, and a major highway for the convenience of patients and families. A friendly, non-institutional design approach reinforces the client’s caregiving philosophy of rebuilding the lives of children and adults suffering from a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury, stroke, or pulmonary condition. Upon entering the facility, visitors and staff are surrounded with direct visual access to nature, abundant natural light, colorful walls, and large inspirational images of patient successes. Thoughtful organization of the hospital allows easy access to comprehensive, coordinated rehabilitation services and is the result of architectural and engineering collaboration with patients, nurses, doctors, therapists, and researchers throughout the design process. Research and technology are important components of this nationally-recognized program. With the blink of an eye or the wave of a hand, patients are able to adjust room controls, communicate, and engage in activities that are life-giving and enhance independence.

This 240,000-SF, 110-bed facility includes six 16-bed nursing units and a separate, secured 14-bed pediatric wing. The two-story design works well on the long sloping site, and places acute rehabilitation facilities on the same level as therapy spaces for easy access and maximum therapy time. Supporting Madonna’s goal to provide personalized care, patient units are scaled into eight-bed neighborhoods with dining and activity areas. All patient rooms are designed to support family interaction in patient care. The pediatrics unit features separate access control and includes access to a secure outdoor play area.

Architect: DLR Group, Michael Graves & Associates and PAGE/ Photography: Tom Kessler, Alistair Tutton Photography

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