COLUMBUS, OH DesignGroup, an architectural design firm in Columbus, Ohio, has transformed the former James Cancer Hospital into The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's Brain and Spine Hospital. The project goal was to renovate an existing building into what will become a tremendous step in supporting neurological research and providing improved patient care at the same time.

Floors 1, 8, 9, and 10, more than 60,000 square feet, have been renovated. Visitors will have a sense of the care and state-of-the-art treatment they will receive as soon as they enter the newly designed lobby. Creating a welcoming space with user-friendly wayfinding was a key factor in designing a space to care for patients with neurological issues.

In addition, 87 private beds, along with spaces for patients' families, further demonstrate the level of concern for patients. The hospital has specialized units for stroke care, neurotrauma and traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and spine surgery, epilepsy, chronic pain, acute rehabilitation, neurosurgery, and sleep medicine.

DesignGroup worked to create appropriate spaces reflecting advances in technology, while also paying attention to compassion in patient care. Spaces provide natural light, a warm color palette and sensitivity to sound to create an environment that is conducive to the care of neurological patients. 

The lobby redesign focused on using a palette and materials that create a distinct and unique identity for the new Brain and Spine Hospital while simultaneously reflecting Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center's environmental brand standards.