To provide a new patient care unit for forensic services within the Memorial Hospital Central Emergency Dept. in Colorado Springs, crews performed a 3,400-sq-ft build-out of existing shelled space. Completed in April 2023, the unit is the first of its kind in the nation.

The design team engaged with staff to understand the unique needs of patients who have experienced violence and trauma, aiming to create the most optimal environment for their recovery. As a result, the principles of trauma-informed design influence all aspects of the space, from wall placement to color selection, materials and finishes.

While work primarily took place within a 20-year-old shell space that was previously utilized for storage, construction access through the active emergency department had to be closely coordinated with hospital staff to avoid disruptions. Detailed coordination plans also managed utility outages and minimized noisy activities. Twenty years of existing utilities within the slab and ceiling made installing new utilities difficult, as did the circular lobby space for installing in-wall utilities.