Though the new hospital is certainly a sight to be seen from the outside—the interior design is truly remarkable. 

Interior designers thoroughly scrutinized each floor, each element, each detail, as did the planning teams, the pediatric departments, the Family Advisory Council and the Pediatric Advisory Council.  Together they created an atmosphere that is fun, natural, appropriate and timeless.

Using the main concept Ribbons of Hope and Rivers of Healing, the designers used flowing water themes throughout the hospital tied in with Tennessee nature.  Each floor has its own theme and color-scheme, tailored to the children and families who will be occupying the rooms, yet appropriate for all ages and visitors.

Interior design themes include flowers, vines and Tennessee bears; fireflies, lady bugs, butterflies and dragon flies; sun, moon and stars; squirrels, other small animals and leafy greens; and wood-ducks, turtles, frogs, and fish. 

But beyond the color palettes and creatures, many practical elements had to be considered. Safety and infection control were key elements in determining materials used in the interior finishes.

The rubber flooring in the Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatric Critical Care Units was selected to absorb sound and keep the areas as quiet as possible.  Parents also helped the designers consider every element of childproofing.