Having fulfilled a vital need for local communities for more than 100 years, and as one of northeast Georgia’s largest hospitals, Piedmont Athens Regional recognized that its current facility would soon no longer be able to support health management, market growth, changing demographics, or the overall spectrum and quality of care being provided.

To transform their facility and improve the experience of patients, family members, and caregivers, NAC was enlisted to conduct a master plan that began a radical multi-phase transformation of the campus. The first phase relocated 44 departments out of the oldest structure into 100,000 SF of renovated and vertically expanded in-patient units. Without disrupting service, the obsolete building was demolished, making way for a new six-story tower. The new tower offers private acuity adaptable patient rooms, significantly reducing the need to move patients from room to room, and a new point-of-care model that enables caregivers to spend more time at the bedside.

Through a courtyard in the heart of the campus and a separate healing garden, the new hospital reconnects with its lush local surroundings. Garden inspired materials, forms, and light are used throughout the building interior to provide biophilic benefits to all. Exterior transparency allows visual connections to nature for those inside and provides a welcoming and inviting atmosphere to those passing by. The lobby greets people with soaring wood ceilings and courtyard views.

NAC conducted a wayfinding experience study, identifying areas of possible challenge and how to provide clarity for patients, providers, caregivers, and visitors. An intuitive wayfinding system was established, where consistent messaging, orientation points, clear sight lines, and staffed greeter desks define paths and destinations.

This project resulted in an environment that the community and its patients have embraced wholeheartedly. Through this transformative process, Piedmont Athens has revitalized its facility, offering enhanced care, a connection to nature, and a user-friendly environment.

NAC is partnering with SmithGroup to design the Phase 1 facility implementation to transform Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center into the vision created in the master plan.