M Health Fairview Blythe Brenden Children’s Clinical Research Center
A Harmonious Blend of Clinical Excellence and Warmth
The 2,300-square-foot remodel of the M Health Fairview Blythe Brenden Children’s Clinical Research Center, funded by the Blythe Brendon-Mann Foundation through the University of Minnesota Foundation, creates a carefully balanced space that meets the clinical needs of pediatric research while providing a warm, inclusive environment. Designed to accommodate patients from infancy through age 18, and occasionally adult participants, the center required a flexible, age-appropriate design that invites comfort and ease.
To move beyond the traditional clinical atmosphere, the team introduced universal exam rooms that simplify scheduling and optimize space utilization, improving patient flow and operational efficiency. High ceilings were incorporated to enhance a sense of openness, while a thoughtfully selected color palette further contributes to the welcoming ambiance. Integrating the donor’s favorite color, purple accents were added to infuse warmth and a personal touch throughout the space.
Light colors expand the visual width of the narrow corridors, creating a more residential, less institutional feel. The experience is further enriched by environmental graphics from Eidahl Environmental, seamlessly integrated to advance and articulate the center’s mission.
This project underscores a commitment to advancing healthcare design by creating spaces that support critical research and patient care while addressing broader trends toward more patient-centered, comforting healthcare environments.
