Capturing calm

Facility: Tampa General Hospital — Bayshore Pavilion
Location: Tampa, Fla.
Architect: Gresham, Smith and Partners

The 345,000-square-foot, six-story Bayshore Pavilion at Tampa General Hospital was constructed just 30 feet from the seawall on Davis Islands in downtown Tampa. The design takes advantage of the site's exceptional views and incorporates an internal landscaped courtyard, which fosters a calming, healing environment.

Patients, staff and visitors can leave behind the stress of the hospital and enter the peaceful exterior space for a few moments of respite. It provides a morale-boosting dose of nature by bringing the spirit of the nearby coastline to patients.

The pavilion balances the need to meet everyday services with disaster planning. By offering amenities such as all-private rooms and the courtyard area, the facility maximizes patients' comfort. Being hurricane prepared, the facility can provide medical care even during a storm surge.

To submit a Last Detail case for consideration, contact Jeff Ferenc at jferenc@healthforum.com.