Clinical Tower and Expansion

A new landmark for future-focused pediatric care

Connecticut Childrens Tower 13

Client
Connecticut Children's
Location
Connecticut, United States
Size
190,000 square feet
Status
Completed

Innovation, access and clinical excellence are the three pillars of the Connecticut Children’s pediatric care tower and campus expansion, setting a milestone for New England whole child healthcare. The new eight-story clinical tower is the largest expansion in the health system’s history.

The Clinical Tower connects to Connecticut Children’s existing campus building, originally constructed in the early 1990s, and houses multiple specialties including the new Fetal Care Center with enhanced outpatient services and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) designed to accommodate 50 beds. Beyond its core care functions, the facility integrates thoughtful design elements and family-centric amenities that support healing environments for patients and their families alike. 

Connecticut Childrens Hospital
The tower’s exterior glass-and-metal palette transitions from green hues at the landscaped terrace level to shades of blue on the building’s highest floors. The stepped, cantilevered terraces are a distinct exterior design feature, providing fresh air and outdoor respite space for patients, loved ones and staff on each inpatient floor.

The patient journey was a central focus throughout the design process. This priority is reflected in distinct features across the building, beginning with an expansive lobby where floor-to-ceiling glass panels bring in abundant natural light. The space is anchored by a two-story “tree of life” sculpture, complemented by bird-like light pendants and nature-themed artwork that introduce a sense of joy and curiosity while helping to ease anxiety and stress for pediatric patients and their families.

Connecticut Childrens Tree
Connecticut Childrens Tower 11

Murals and graphics by local artist Tracy MacLauchlan celebrate the flora, fauna and wildlife of Connecticut, serving both wayfinding and placemaking functions. Nearly every floor (with the exception of the third) provides access to outdoor space, ranging from intimate terraces for moments of respite to a large second-floor courtyard designed to host community events.

Connecticut Childrens Tower 05
Connecticut Childrens Tower 06

The NICU patient rooms are all private with areas for extended stays by parents and loved ones. There are also private family areas on multiple floors where families can recharge or spend a moment alone.

Connecticut Childrens Tower 02
Connecticut Childrens Nicu
Using evidence-based design and circadian rhythm lighting research, patient rooms feature tunable LED lighting that mimics different lighting colors and times of day. Clinical evidence shows that NICU babies gain weight faster and are able to go home earlier when exposed to cycled lighting aligned with their body’s naturally occurring 24-hour circadian rhythm.
Connecticut Childrens Tower 08
Connecticut Childrens Tower 09

Designing for flexibility was another key principle of the project. Many of the spaces, including the NICU, share the same design for ease of use and efficiency for the care team. Staff charting is done using a “workplace on wheels” so no counter space is taken up by computers or other technology. The clinical tower’s infrastructure is also easily adaptable to future needs in IT, imaging and surgical care equipment.   

The building also features enhanced technology that supports safe and efficient patient care. From voice-activated technology in patient rooms to themed digital displays in elevators to smart tracking tags on important equipment and infant beds, families can be assured and staff can be focused on patient care. 

Connecticut Childrens Exterior

Explore more