Kidz First Children's Hospital is an 82-bed purpose-built facility dedicated to the provision of inpatient care for children. The design philosophy behind Kidz First Children's Hospital is as the name implies: a special place for children, a place for healing, and equally, a place for families and staff.

The building was largely determined by planning requirements associated with operational procedures in the treatment and care of patients and their families. Ergonomics and the special needs of children and family support facilities were key factors in the design. Other features specific to the design of a children's hospital include the use of colour, texture, graphics and signage.

The manner in which the building is perceived, particularly from a child's perspective, was also a key determining factor in the development of the design. To this end, the building design maintains a sense of playfulness. This approach is evident in the overall form, the detailing and the general character of the building, as well as the arrangement of spaces, colours and textures that characterise its interior.

For more information on this Chow:Hill project,
Email: simon@chowhill.co.nz