Hydro Screen
Spatial Design, Parametric Design, Visualization
Rhino, Enscape, Photoshop
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York City, NY, USA
Perkins Eastman
2018
All Images belong to Perkins Eastman
Insight
Hydro Screen is a sculptural interior installation designed for the hydrotherapy area of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Developed as part of a larger patient-centered healthcare environment, the screen balances privacy, openness, and visual connection while contributing to a welcoming and restorative atmosphere. Inspired by the natural behavior of water and soap bubbles, the installation transforms a functional partition into an architectural feature that enhances circulation, spatial identity, and the overall patient experience.
Idea
The design draws inspiration from the geometry created when soap bubbles naturally reach equilibrium, generating organic Voronoi patterns that express both structure and fluidity. This behavior was translated into a modular screen that gradually evolves from soft circular forms into more abstract hexagonal geometries, creating a dynamic transition across the installation. The resulting pattern evokes the movement of water while reinforcing the healthcare facility's contemporary architectural language and supporting efficient fabrication.
Impact
More than a physical divider, the Hydro Screen creates a sense of discovery within the rehabilitation environment by defining spaces without isolating them. The porous geometry allows natural light and visual connections to pass through while providing subtle privacy for hydrotherapy activities. By combining biomimetic design, computational geometry, and user-centered thinking, the installation transforms a functional healthcare element into an engaging spatial experience that contributes to a calmer, more welcoming environment for patients and staff alike.
