Imagine being a child in the hospital for a long stay. You are used to being around other kids, but now you are suddenly isolated. This can often be challenging and scary for children and their loved ones. The Dream Big Production Studio and Music/Art Therapy Facility is designed for the young patients of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The new facility allows children to do just as the name states — “Dream Big” — and is a welcomed relief for long-stay patients.
A key feature of the Audiovisual design is the ability to distribute radio and TV programming to all patient rooms. Live shows are created, produced, and hosted by UPMC Children’s patients and are shown on televisions throughout the hospital. Patients who are unable to leave their rooms can still participate in the fun by calling into shows and enjoying special events on televisions throughout the hospital.
The Center for Creative Arts Therapy provides space for the Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy (CEAT) program. Therapists use art and music to meet the physical, mental, emotional, social, and medical needs of children. With dedicated areas for music and art, the program helps children express themselves in ways that aid treatment and healing. CEAT specialists are also able to go into any room in the hospital to meet the needs of any patient.
Located in a hospital, the facility presented a major acoustical challenge. Countless hours were spent designing the walls, ceilings, and ductwork to keep noise from spreading to patient rooms and staff offices. Ceiling heights in this hospital are very low and required careful coordination and constant contact with other disciplines.
