Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital
Salt Lake City
Award of Merit

Owner: State of Utah DFCM/University of Utah
Lead Design Firm: FFKR Architects/HDR
General Contractor: Okland Construction Co.
Civil, MEP Engineer: Van Boerum & Frank Associates
Structural Engineer: Reaveley Engineers
Electrical Engineer: BNA Consulting

This thoughtfully designed rehabilitation hospital is dedicated to patients who have experienced major life-changing health events. The 172,000-sq-ft facility includes 75 patient rooms, two indoor gyms, an exterior balcony gym with a putting green and roof garden, a zero-gravity patient lift track, satellite therapy rooms, exam rooms, a fluoroscopy room, a state-of-the-art digital innovation lab, a mobility garage, fabrication lab and ADL kitchen. Each patient room is equipped with smart features to allow iPad or voice control of the HVAC, lighting, blinds and television.

Many elements were incorporated to make the often months-long rehab experience feel less like a typical hospital stay. For instance, patient rooms are located on the upper floors along the exterior of the building to provide natural lighting and mountain views, while the lighting is in much warmer tones than found in a typical hospital. An exterior plaza includes a river feature with waterfalls to provide patients and visitors with a peaceful space to relax.

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