Durham
Outpatient
Center Rooftop
Plaza

Client
Nebraska Medicine
Location
Omaha, NE
Size
8,015 SF
Completion date
June 2021

This engaging, artful plaza space gives Nebraska Medicine's staff, patients and visitors new opportunities to enhance wellness and interact with the outdoors . 

Outside of the Nebraska Café on level three of Nebraska Medicine's University Tower, the Rooftop Plaza had fallen into disrepair. Initially built in the early nineties, the space had closed for use due to a lack of shade opportunities, uneven pedestal paving, plugged drains and the roof membrane needing replacement. We worked with NMED to create new shade-protected seating structures and seating types, replace the roof membrane system, design lighting systems and add a planting palette incorporating native landscaping that thrives in an intensive green roof environment. The improvements to this space enhance research-backed wellness advantages, such as stress reduction and lessened perceived discomfort, thus reducing healing times. The variety of outdoor seating options offers users the autonomy of choice in finding a space that meets their desired needs, encouraging increased usage and engagement with nature within the hospital campus. 

The rooftop plaza is an appealing addition to the University Tower.
Thoughtful lighting design continues the rooftop plaza’s welcoming atmosphere into evening hours.
Awards
Merit Award, Institutional Design
ASLA Central States Chapter
2023
Merit Award, Institutional Design
ASLA Central States
2023
Honor Award — Design (Built)
ASLA Nebraska Dakotas Chapter
2022