AECOM Designs Park Nicollet Women’s Outpatient Center

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Park Nicollet’s new comprehensive outpatient center for women opened in April, consolidating more than 15 preventive and specialty services in one location on the top floor of the Heart and Vascular Center at the Methodist Hospital campus in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Andrea Winter, director of women’s services at Park Nicollet, showed off the organization’s new, $4.9-million Women’s Center in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Photo courtesy of Richard Tsong-Taatarii, Star Tribune.

Designed by AECOM’s Minneapolis, Minnesota-based healthcare team, which also designed the building that houses it, the 28,000-square-foot facility provides complete health services for women of all ages in a convenient, comfortable environment.

The functional design of the center supports care teams that provide personalized and coordinated healthcare for improved outcomes. Patients are greeted by a relaxing, spa-like environment, and integrative services such as aromatherapy and massage are offered to enhance wellness and reduce stress. Plush robes and iPads for web-surfing complement the experience. Flexible space for group visits and patient education classes is integrated into the design.

The design process included Lean workshops to quickly align Park Nicollet’s vision with the project scope, budget and schedule. To create an ideal patient experience, AECOM led a collaborative image and experience mapping process to anticipate the needs and perspectives of patients of various generations.

The resulting facility employs multiple innovative features. Care-team neighborhoods facilitate self-rooming and reduce travel distances for staff. On-stage and off-stage circulation enhances the patient experience and maximizes privacy. Flexibility of the space is increased through the use of hoteling exam rooms, demountable partitions and extensive use of systems furniture. Integrated, state-of-the-art technologies support wireless staff communication, as well as patient engagement.

The interior design of the space presents a contemporary image of wellness. Access to daylight is maximized, and natural materials as well as delightful surprises, such as artwork and decorative lighting, abound. These elements all combine to provide Park Nicollet with a women-focused center that is compelling, memorable and marketable.

AECOM provided interior architecture, interior design and medical planning. Mortenson was the builder.