The counter was intentionally heighted so that crash carts could be stored underneath. Like the nurses' station, corridors play an important role in the organization of the emergency room. When visiting other emergency rooms, the design team found that narrow corridors created visual and organizational confusion. Two distinct corridors were designed for maximum efficiency. One is for critical care patients and one is for patients whose illness or injury can wait.
Lighting adds to the department's organization, too.
Above the nurses' station, a circular cover reminiscent of the exterior canopy sheds bright light. Moving beyond the nurses' station into the corridors, the light lowers and then brightens again in the treatment rooms. Except for one trauma room that is designed for double occupancy, treatment rooms are all singles. Each has a television set, private bathroom and a warming closet, so patients have warm, comforting blankets nearby. With curtains pushed aside, the glass doors provide complete access for staff and equipment during major emergencies.