DESIGNWORKS 2025

Novant Forsyth Medical Center | Critical Care Tower

Winston Salem, NC

Gresham Smith

The Novant Forsyth Medical Center Critical Care Tower project represents a pivotal investment in advancing healthcare infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the community in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As part of Novant Health’s commitment to providing exceptional care, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to address critical care needs while enhancing patient outcomes and promoting a healing environment.

Novant Forsyth Medical Center has served as a cornerstone for healthcare in the region, providing a wide range of medical services to a diverse and expanding population. With increasing patient volumes and evolving healthcare needs, the demand for specialized critical care services has grown significantly. The existing infrastructure required modernization to accommodate advancements in medical technology, improve patient comfort, and support efficient workflows for healthcare providers.
One major challenge that drove the initial planning and design of this project was to create a new entrance to the whole medical facility. Many patients and family members had given feedback that the facility was difficult to navigate and did not give much direction to where they were supposed to go. Through this project, a new front door with great design presence was established. Additionally, new design wayfinding standards were developed and implemented throughout the facility so that the transformation extended beyond the new tower. Local imagery was used throughout the new building to not only provide a connection to the community, but also as a part of the wayfinding design – designating each elevator lobby with an image so that users can located themselves within the whole building.
The project also expanded the existing facilities surgical suites to better fit the capacity of the local community. Challenges arose through the extensive phasing that was required to keep the surgery suite running while also updating their existing suites and making it more functional for staff and patients alike.

The Novant Forsyth Medical Center Critical Care Tower is more than just a physical structure; it is a transformative endeavor aimed at improving lives. By addressing critical care needs with innovative design and advanced medical capabilities, the tower will:
• Enhance Access: Provide the community with expanded access to specialized care.
• Support Staff: Empower healthcare professionals with thoughtfully designed spaces to deliver their best work.
• Improve Outcomes: Foster an environment conducive to faster recovery and better overall health outcomes.
• Strengthen the Community: Reaffirm Novant Health’s role as a trusted healthcare provider in the region.
This project underscores Novant Health’s dedication to excellence in healthcare delivery and its vision for building healthier communities for generations to come. The critical care tower is not only a response to immediate needs but also a forward-looking investment in the future of healthcare in Forsyth County.