Ruth Bader Ginsberg Hospital

The Ruth Bader Ginsberg Hospital transforms the former Coney Island Hospital into a resilient healthcare campus after the wake of Superstorm Sandy. Atelier Ten promoted resilience with a series of analysis that prioritized energy, water, facades, and landscape.

A patient’s access to natural daylight and quality views to the outdoors can improve mood levels and promote healing. The design and performance of the building envelope affects occupant visual and thermal comfort, particularly as patients are often located in close proximity to the envelope. Atelier Ten optimized the building envelope to improve daylight and insulation so the hospital could maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor experience for patients, The envelope is also resistant to hurricane level winds since the previous hospital was badly damaged during Superstorm Sandy.

To reduce energy use, Atelier Ten provided iterative modelling at each phase and the project is estimated to save 12% in annual energy consumption. This was achieved with a combination of strategies including high-performing envelope, reduced lighting power density, DOAS with enthalpy recovery for patient rooms, chilled beams, perimeter radiant panels, variable speed fans, and process chilled water and steam. Atelier Ten also introduced rainwater reuse for the cooling tower that will reduce water consumption by 30%.

Specifying sustainable and non-toxic materials is beneficial to both the environment and building occupants. To create a healthier environment for patients, Atelier Ten supported the hospital and design team in selecting low-emitting materials with no persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs). Atelier Ten reviewed concepts for healthy and sustainable products, and established a process for prevetting preferred products.