The principle design theme of the project was inspired by the concept of life as a river. This was then utilized to give life and identity to each space in the hospital by creating a series
of distinctive entrances.

The project was further characterized by the theme, “from the water to the sky during the dawn”. The experience of working on a health related project had a strong psychological impact as well as being very enjoyable.

The project’s scale and the duality of having to consider the client from the perspective of a patient provided the opportunity to learn and develop in a manner that is perhaps not as present in other projects.

The entrances were designed to provide an identity to the distinct access areas of the project and this concept was maintained through the design of the ceilings, floors and colors. The ceilings were carefully designed in consideration of the movement of patients through the halls while on stretchers and the lighting was carried out with a strong emphasis on the importance of character and space.

Walls and lights were designed using white onyx and translucent materials with diverse textures according to the character of each area.

The project initially focused on the existing Sutter General Hospital and the new location for the Women & Children’s New Hospital, however, was expanded to also include the remodeling of all the buildings and the construction of two new buildings.

L Street

Sacramento, California

Project date: 2004 to Present