Accessible Design Celebrated at Children’s Medical Center Dallas

DALLAS — The lobby renovation at Children’s Medical Center Dallas (CMCD) garnered recognition for going above and beyond legal requirements to provide physical accessibility and service accessibility for people with disabilities.

Designed by WHR Architects, which holds offices in Dallas, the lobby renovation received an Accessibility Award from the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities.

“WHR Architects has had the good fortune to work with the team at Children’s on multiple projects from branding and wayfinding to renovations that include the renovation of the main lobby with its Centennial Celebration Exhibit,” said Mark Vaughan, AIA, ACHA, principal-in-charge of the WHR’s Dallas office, in a statement. “With their dedication to children with medical needs and their families, all of our work has included a strong emphasis on physical and service accessibility, and we are especially proud of the lobby with its lively, immersive exhibit.”

The Centennial Celebration exhibit in the hospital’s main lobby showcases the history of the medical center through interactive displays including a timeline and touch screens. The open lobby features clear sight lines and a large reception desk that is visible from the lobby’s two entrances. Easily navigated, the lobby is obstacle-free and provides accessible routes from the parking lot to the building. Valet parking is offered 24/7 for patients or visitors with mobility issues.

“Children’s is proud to offer patients and families obstacle-free routes throughout the hospital,” said Judson Orlando, CMCD’s director of design and construction, in a statement. “Our mission is to make life better for children, and that starts with a strong focus on physical and service accessibility.”

The Accessibility Awards were established in 2010 to create a statewide accessibility awards program. Fred Cawyer, AIA, who has advised the hospital on accessibility issues for 15 years, nominated the main lobby of CMCD for the Accessibility Award.