Children's National | Research and Innovation Campus

Array Architects partnered with Children’s National and Elkus Manfredi to reimagine Building 52—a former tuberculosis hospital on the historic Walter Reed Army Medical Center site—into a welcoming new Shepherd Park outpatient care center.

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Supporting a vision rooted in play, comfort, and collaboration, the design strategy integrates the dignity of the building’s historic legacy with the joyful sensibility of pediatric care. Reclaimed porches were enclosed to create conditioned clinical environments, while a "porch-to-waiting-room" experience welcomes families with views of green space and original architectural details. Interiors use bright colors, soft curves, and playful lighting to support children’s comfort and reduce stress for caregivers. Patient rooms are light-filled and private, with custom millwork and built-in benches for family members.

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Environmental graphics and a themed bear character subtly reinforce a sense of fun and familiarity, while wayfinding is carefully integrated to support intuitive navigation. Each detail of the clinical layout was carefully planned for workflow efficiency and a high standard of multidisciplinary care.

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The result is a facility that combines architectural preservation with contemporary healthcare delivery—bringing a sense of place, history, and delight to a new model of pediatric outpatient care.