Healthcare facilities, with their fluorescent lights and utilitarian spaces, rarely offer moments of tranquility and respite for the people who work there. Those who care for patients deserve environments that take account of their well-being. This belief guided our design of wellness rooms across 20 locations throughout the NYC Health + Hospitals (NYCHH) hospital system, creating retreats that help foster moments of peace in high-pressure environments. 

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for hospital staff to have dedicated spaces for rest and mental health support. Overwhelmed by long shifts and emotional strain, workers often lacked opportunities to recover. Early attempts at “respite rooms” were makeshift and frequently repurposed for patient care, leaving no lasting solution. NYCHH saw the need for permanent spaces that can help address burnout and compassion fatigue while demonstrating to staff that they are valued. 

WXY designed the wellness rooms with materials carefully chosen to meet the stringent requirements of hospital environments, prioritizing safety and durability. The rooms feature antimicrobial and easy-to-clean finishes, ensuring compliance with healthcare standards. We used rich, saturated blues and greens to create a calming, welcoming atmosphere distinct from the overly bright and sterile aesthetic of the typical hospital interior. Furniture selections followed the Declare label from the Living Building Challenge. This ensures that all components are free from harmful chemicals and off-gassing materials.Each space incorporates nature-inspired elements, including dimmable light boxes featuring serene forests or underwater scenes, and art from the Arts in Medicine collection. These details, coupled with flexible programming like yoga and guided meditation, make the rooms both functional and deeply restorative. 

The project’s success relied on deep collaboration at every stage. WXY engaged hospital staff through surveys to ensure the design reflected their needs and preferences. Close coordination with NYCHH’s Helping Healers Heal (H3) team, facilities staff, and contractors allowed for seamless implementation across 20 unique spaces. Localized leadership teams infused community-specific nuances, making each Wellness Room a tailored reflection of its setting.

The wellness rooms have already changed lives, offering hospital workers moments of solace and connection. At Elmhurst Hospital, once the epicenter of the pandemic, the new spaces have become a hub for celebrations and shared art. With programming evolving rapidly, these rooms signal a much needed shift toward proactive mental health care within healthcare.