By Elaina Myers, Assistant Editor

For many children, a trip to the hospital can feel intimidating and a little scary. Imagine instead arriving at a place that feels sterile, families arrive to a facility filled with colors, interactive technology and sweeping views of mountains and water.  

The new Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, Washington was designed around the experiences of children and their families. Developed by ESa in partnership with MultiCare Health System, the hospital prioritizes comfort, simplicity and connection.  

“One of the things Jeff Poltawsky, president of the hospital and Health Network, wanted was for everyone that entered to see themselves in the facility,” says Charlie Jorgensen, principal at ESa. “The first big differential for us was creating a single destination with easy wayfinding. If a patient can park simply, we’re winning, number one.” 

Previously, pediatric services were spread throughout an adult hospital environment. The new facility consolidates services on a dedicated campus adjacent to ambulatory care and a parking structure, making arrival and navigation significantly easier.  

Inside, the building uses a series of Pacific Northwest-inspired themes to help orient visitors while creating a welcoming atmosphere. Patient floors are organized around regional landscapes including coast, river, forest and mountain themes. Each floor incorporates distinct colors and graphics that serve as both wayfinding tools and engaging visual experiences for children.  

“These graphics, they decompress and take your mind off of what’s happening,” Jorgensen says. “The idea is to not only bring it down to a kid’s scale, but to also really start to encourage curiosity.” 

Digital technology also plays a role in creating positive distractions throughout the hospital. Video walls, interactive screens and fun displays are integrated into key destinations, including the emergency department, surgery waiting areas and the main lobby. 

Outside views of nature are another defining feature of the facility.  

“Priority was given to patient rooms getting great views of the surrounding nature, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and the Cascades,” Jorgensen says.  

Some of the hospital’s most striking spaces are its stacked playrooms and dedicated teen areas, which occupy premium locations with panoramic views. The hospital also features a second-floor outdoor terrace adjacent to the rehabilitation gym. The secure space includes turf areas and places where families can spend time together outdoors.   

The hospital’s family-centered approach also extends directly into patient accommodations.  

“Every room has a refrigerator for the family,” Jorgensen says. “Every room has both for the kid and the family video game tie-ins where they can do their own thing. Unfortunately, some kids are here for a while, so this becomes kind of their home.” 

Each room also includes a double sleeper bed for parents, while family gathering areas on each floor provide space for meals, community support and extended family visits.  

From arrival to recovery, the new hospital brings pediatric care, family support and healing environments together to create a journey that extends beyond the patient's room.  

Elaina Myers is the assistant editor of the facilities market. She has covered various topics from pest management to resilience to sustainability and is the beat writer for special days. She also runs the FacilitiesNet social media accounts.