In case you didn’t know, the winners of the “Small Hospital, Big Idea” design competition created by Kaiser Permanente, were recently announced on March 23, 2012. Congratulations to the winners and a job well done to all who participated!

Last year, Kaiser Permanente launched the competition challenging architects, engineers, students, and designers to think beyond the design and focus on a new way to provide world-class healthcare in smaller hospitals that would be integrate innovative medical technology, have minimal effect on the environment, and be welcoming to patients and families. This is in keeping with Kaiser’s decision to scale back the size of their hospitals.

Although I haven’t had the privilege of seeing some of the design ideas that were presented from many different countries, I’m sure there were many novel, and inventively cost-reducing ideas that would also provide protection for the environment and premium care for patients.

The winners are:

  • Tie for first place:

Aditazz 

Mazzetti Nash Lipsey Burch (with Perkins+Will NY) 

 

  • Finalist:

Gresham, Smith and Partners

 

  • Those that made it to the shortlist:

Ellerbe Becket

HGA

Lee, Burkhart, Liu

Perkins+Will

SmithGroup

John Cooper Architecture and TBL architects

 

The finalists were given up to $750,000 to develop their ideas further and they spent eight months expanding their designs.

The winners can now enter into a contract with Kaiser Permanente for the full design of the small hospital.

For a closer look at the winning designs and more information, visit Kaiser Permanente’s Small Hospital, Big Idea Competition site.