October 31, 2023 in Case Study, Research

by: Hannah Scott

SHIELD x UC San Diego Health

In 2014 UC Davis San Diego Health was looking to update patient rooms in the Jacob's Tower as well as their birthing unit. With the renovation they wanted a material for headwalls that would be timeless and modern while being convenient for staff and creating safety for patients.

Partnering with CannonDesign and The Raymond Group, SHIELD was cited to create the headwalls, bringing solid surface into the picture and allowing the spaces to become more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

Jacobs Tower

In 2014, UCSD began looking towards creating new headwalls for Jacobs Tower. The hospital was working to create patient rooms that would offer a comfortable aesthetic that focuses on healing, while also making sure that the headwalls were seamless to use for staff. 

The UCSD headwalls were designed with integrated med-gas connections as well as a 100% acrylic solid surface fabrication which allows for easy cleanability, durability and microbial resistance. With patient rooms constantly seeing different individuals throughout the day, having furniture that provides infection resistance means higher safety for both patients and staff.

Birthing Centers

In 2014, UCSD began working on creating their Jacobs Tower Birthing Centers. These three centers together are a part of the larger Jacobs Medical Center which focuses on putting parents and newborns first. When creating a birthing center, you want patients to feel as at ease and comfortable as possible to allow them to more easily work through a difficult experience. 

Shield’s innovative solid surface fabrication for the UCSD birthing center headwalls helped Cannon and UCSD emphasize a natural birth experience with minimal medical intervention. The crisp white color combined with the natural curves and concealed technology contribute to a natural birthing experience and allow families to feel calm during one of life’s most intimate moments. 

The design is natural and comforting, yet syncs patients with advanced medical technology in mere moments, if needed. Cannon and Shield helped UCSD provide personalized, family-centered care in these advanced, midwifery-based birthing center headwalls.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
Subscribe to get the latest updates