Case Stories

Berkeley Medical Center’s 40-year old progressive-care unit –  for patients who require less than intensive care, but more than medical or surgical unit care – required a major infrastructure upgrade. The unit was redesigned with satellite nursing stations between every two rooms in the corridor, giving nurses and aides a clear view of patients through large windows. To create a less institutional and more home-like feeling for patients, the design team turned their attention to the unit’s walls.

Solution

The private second floor patient rooms at WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center feature fun floor curves and softened corners filled with warm shades of brown, gray, violet and blue.  Acrovyn by Design was used to incorporate a beautiful nature theme of wheat fields and lily pads. Acrovyn protective wall covering in Chinchilla, Parchment and Tan Bark with trim of Brushed Silver added an accent with color, creating an optimum healing environment.

“Functional clinical elements like patient headwalls were softened with nature inspired graphic images,” said Mike Crist, Project Supervisor at Berkeley Medical Center. “ This was an important element in achieving the hospital’s goal of creating a patient environment with a residential/hospitality appeal.”

“Graphically designed walls have not traditionally been popular in healthcare due to concerns about damage to the image from carts and high traffic,” said Beverly Shelby of VEBH Architects. “Using Acrovyn by Design was a no-brainer for us. Its digital print is high quality and can handle the daily abuse healthcare walls face. We will continue using Acrovyn by Design as we add seven more rooms to the floor. This project is a showcase for how wall protection by Acrovyn can be used as a true design element.”