A pioneering healthcare facility, Dell Children’s prioritizes the restorative powers of nature and unstructured play to aid recovery and well-being. Its sustainable approaches also set new standards for healthcare design; it was the world’s first LEED Platinum healthcare facility. The outdoor healing garden serves as the hospital’s backyard and includes a labyrinth, human sundial, ponds and a butterfly garden amid bright colors and textural variety. A multi-level courtyard depicts the six ecoregions found in the hospital’s 46-county service area, with characteristic native plants articulating a regional story. The facility’s remarkable impact spurred expansion and the development of a third bed tower that was completed summer 2013, as well as more recent enhancements.
Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas
Austin, TX
Anything but sterile and boring, time spent at Dell Children’s is full of whimsical play and immersive environments — and they’re integral to the therapeutic process.
Polkinghorn Group Architects, Inc.
- Branded Environments
- Landscape Architecture
- 2008 ASLA Texas Chapter Honor Award
- 2007 Texas Construction Best of Award - Design
