NX sickbay workstations typify the sense of organization which defines a term coined by Ira Behr: “Starfleet Clean”.

The first thing you notice about the sickbay department on board the NX-01 is the overwhelming feeling that you really are in a high tech ER. So much so that it is actually uncomfortable, in a primal sort of way, to spend time in it.  I think that’s as it should be.

The brushed aluminum consoles that line the top of the desk are highly reminescent of some of McCoy’s portable medical bio-comps. Overall, one can see what will evolve into the workstation lab on board  1701.

 

This sickbay, unlike it’s predecessors, sports the hard edge of reality. One thing that remains constant is the distinctive circular configuration.

(Below) There were some found items in the sickbay, most notably the incubator looking arrangement to the left and right of the MRI. As I understand it, they were left over from one of the Mission Impossible movies.

(Below) The clear TOS geneology mixed with reality is what makes this set so fascinating. The bio beds, each outfitted with their own array of emergency medical gear and supplies, creates the feeling that this place is set for action.

Part of the set’s reality owes itself to Denise Okuda. Denise is a registered nurse, and paid her dues in real hospitals and emergency rooms. It may have been Denise who pushed the idea of privacy curtains between the beds. The privacy curtain helps create a sense of anxiety, as we have all seen them before, and we connect them to trauma.

(Below Left) Mike Okuda and I were always pushing for ladders. They say multi-leveled. ladders were used on the original series to suggest that the size and scope of the Enterprise. Here is something you’ve never heard. On the NX bridge, to the left and right of the MVS are two hatches. Inside are ladders similar to what you see here. (Below Right and Bottom) The sickbay featured a maze like storage area, fully stocked with labware.

(Below) The distinctive double glass doors that open into the network of extensive corridors built for Enterprise. These doors were very unusual for a Star Trek set. I see a connection to the doors into Ten-Forward on the Enterprise D, with their distinctive dual portholes and frosted vinyl logos. Interstingly enough, the Ten-Forward door ended up being used in the Starfleet Medical facility in the Enterprise pilot. Th real fun of these doors is that you could get a “Trek-on” by walking the slick ship’s corridors, passing  these see through doors, and peeping the complete sickbay inside.

Love this set. You’re probably getting tired of me fawning over the art department, but once again, here is to Herman, Louise, John, Mike, Denise, Fritz, Tony, Anthony, Wendy, Jimmy, and all the set designers.