Kaiser Permanente announced three finalists in its hospital design competition: Aditazz, Palo Alto; Gresham, Smith and Partners, Columbus, Ohio; and Mazzetti Nash Lipsey Burch, San Francisco.

KP says that some of the ideas presented for the firm’s “Small Hospital, Big Idea” competition included transparent roofs that produce energy and collect rainwater; interactive walls patients could use to Skype with family or physicians; and a pneumatic pharmacy distribution system that delivers medications to patients’ rooms.

Each firm will receive compensation of up to $750,000 to flesh out their winning concepts over the next several months, KP says, with the final designs due later this year.

During the judging event in San Diego May 25-26, nine firms — selected May 13 from a total of 78 firms — had 35 minutes each to present their concepts for a small, eco-conscious, patient- and family-friendly hospital to the jury. The Small Hospital, Big Idea competition challenged firms to conceptualize new ways to deliver health care using the best in emerging medical technology and facility design to improve quality and reduce costs.