Expedited design with complex challenges to treat up to 3,000 COVID-19 patients at the onset of the pandemic
With COVID-19 sweeping the globe, the City of Chicago Department of Public Health knew they needed to act fast to accommodate the rise in patient admittance. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in association with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) directed the conversion of McCormick Place into an Alternate Care Facility (ACF) for COVID-19 patients.
The ACF was designed to relieve pressure on the hospital system by freeing up beds for more patients with severe COVID-19 cases in anticipation of the surge in positive COVID-19 diagnoses to come. Stantec participated by collaborating on the design of an independent HVAC, electrical, mechanical, and medical gas system. Hall A and Hall C supported 2,250 low-acuity patients and Hall B supported 750 moderate-acuity patients that required oxygen. All three were equipped with nursing stations and support units.
A quick turnaround was made possible with prefabricated design using an aluminum framing and panel system for low-acuity patients and tents for moderate-acuity patients. Our team worked around the clock to complete innovative design concepts within a few days of project initiation. Within one week, the first 500 beds were complete in Hall C with another 1,750 non-acute beds following in Hall A.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Awards
- CoreNet Global Chicago Chapter, Innovation Real Award in Healthcare, 2020
- The Center for Health Design, Healthcare Environment Awards, 2020
Tariq Amlani, Senior Principal, Buildings, Health Sector Leader
Driven to become a top design consultant, I have helped deliver cutting edge technologies for healthcare and education across the country.
I have learned that one of the best ways to inspire a team is to listen—it engages and empowers everyone to contribute their best ideas.
Jeff Hankin, Senior Principal, Business Center Practice Leader
My passion is to connect people and ideas.
Maria Ionescu, Senior Medical Planner
Healthcare spaces need a balance between technology and empathy by fostering un-mediated human contact and a connection to nature.
Marie Kruse, Associate, Architect
As architects, we welcome the challenge of creating the best design solutions to benefit our clients, the community, and the environment.
Susan Limbrunner, Principal, Health Sector Leader, Chicago
Understanding a client’s vision and brand are essential to building strong working relationship with team members and stakeholders.
We’re better together
-
Become a client
Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.
-
Design your career
Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.