Every inch of a hospital is carefully designed to support the healing of its diverse patient population. One essential aspect of this design is the provision of play spaces for children, which are crucial in promoting regular activity and interaction, helping young patients maintain a sense of normalcy in an otherwise stressful and unfamiliar environment.

A well-designed play space is more than just a source of entertainment. It is a synergistic combination of play and therapeutic elements that create an engaging and healing environment for young patients. Research has shown that incorporating nature into healthcare design can have a calming effect on patients, reducing anxiety and stress levels. This is why depictions of nature are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern hospital design.

At UVA Children's Hospital, we strive to create play spaces that not only provide a fun distraction from the challenging aspects of hospitalization but also serve as an integral part of a child's overall care plan. Our play spaces are carefully crafted to meet the needs of young patients, balancing play with therapeutic elements, and incorporating nature to create a calming and healing environment. We believe that a well-designed play space can be a vital tool in the healing journey of our young patients and their families.