Hartford Hospital Bone & Joint Institute
The Bone & Joint Institute integrates all elements of orthopedic and musculoskeletal treatment, becoming the destination of superior patient-centered and innovative musculoskeletal care in the region. Having worked together for many years, the team of HDR and Perkins&Will joined forces with Hartford Hospital leadership, doctors, and staff to design the hospital with the “Patients First” principle guiding their way.
With this commitment to the healing environment, they went to work creating a facility that reflects a dynamic expression of the institute’s clinical vision of “life in motion,” employing a language of sculptural, fluid forms that link program elements and subtly adjust for internal demands, site configuration, and views. The journey of the patient from their initial entry to the concierge to outdoor spaces creates a welcoming first impression with generous daylighting and outdoor views that offer staff and patients moments of respite. And a sinuous, wood clad balcony inspired by (and serving as) connective tissue links both sides of the building.
The patient’s journey begins at the main entry, where the form of the building wraps into an expansive two-story covered drop-off area and lobby. Inside, the design language of the exteriors continues with clean, modern details and elegant materials such as terrazzo and dark wood. While most of the admissions process will be done online prior to arrival for treatment, a concierge will greet and assist patients if needed and learn more about their condition and treatment using interactive media inspired by first class hospitality design. It features warm cherry wood cladding and generous amenities—including a café, private lounge areas, access to outdoor seating, and social gathering spaces.
All public spaces are placed along the building perimeter, providing views to the outdoors and reinforcing an intuitive wayfinding approach. The generous windows optimize daylighting and enhance staff experience.
The design team’s conscientious approach to the selection of finishes and furniture—endorsed by the owner, contractor, and users—resulted in choosing products to decrease the use of chlorinated plastics, and reduce persistent, bioaccumulative toxins. Millwork and ceiling panels contain no added urea formaldehyde, green label plus carpeting, ceiling products, wallcovering, and PVC-free resilient flooring made with bio-based content, and furniture specified without flame retardants.
