The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York recently opened a new $120 million, 130,000-square-foot pavilion. Designed by MorrisSwitzer Environments for Health (Boston), the six-story addition provides an opportunity to expand and enhance programmatic areas, while adding space for current demands.

The Cohen Children's Medical Center focuses on family-centered care across an array of clinical areas. The new addition includes a ground-floor pediatric ED with 30 exam rooms, two trauma bays, and an imaging suite. Upper floors house a new 25-bed pediatric intensive care unit and a new 25-bed medical/surgical unit. Each private patient room includes extra space and accommodations for parents, acknowledging their important role in the pediatric healing environment.

The modern architectural character of the exterior features a palette of materials that includes a warm-colored sandstone base at ground level and an iridescent metal panel system above, which allows the building façade to display variations in color depending on the viewing angle.

Naturalistic finishes and abundant daylight provide a backdrop to color accents and more active child-centric elements on the interior. Images and artwork inspired by nature surround patients and their families. A coordinated collection of framed artwork and murals complement each floor’s unique “ecosystem” design, while opportunities for play give patients the means to improve their own physical, mental, and emotional well-being through self-expression and group interaction. This mix of fine art, artwork by children, decorative elements, and interactive programs aims to create a comforting, memorable experience, integrating families with their children throughout the healing process.

Other project team members include Thornton-Tomasetti (structural), WSP-Flack+Kurtz (MEP), Stantec (civil), Rockwell Group (interiors), and Lend-Lease (CM).