Seven projects honored at National Healthcare Design Awards

by David Anderson | August 11, 2016 12:00 pm

The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA’s) Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) has selected its recipients for the AIA National Healthcare Design Awards. The program was established to recognize the best healthcare building design and research.

All selected projects exhibit conceptual strengths that solve aesthetic, civic, urban, and social concerns, as well as the necessary functional and sustainability concerns of a hospital.

Recipients were selected in three categories:

Less than $25 million in construction cost
The Kraemer Radiation Oncology Center in Anaheim, California, created by Yazdani Studio of Cannon Design, focuses on providing a highly supportive environment for cancer patients. The challenge was to create an environment that reduces stress for them and their families, providing the best current technological infrastructure and an excellent space in which physicians and staff can work. The design approach focused on the distinct needs of the inhabitants and their treatment schedules, which typically occur five days a week. The result provides a calming, nature-oriented experience through the use of natural light, organic forms, outdoor views to nature, soothing interior colors, and an interior Zen garden, containing a vibrant living wall-garden visible from the treatment areas. The center has been certified Gold under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

The second to be elected in this category is the Max Health Center. The New York City Planned Parenthood Center required a facility that was a bold expression of its commitment to state-of-the-art care. The building’s contemporary design contrasts with its brownstone neighbors, establishing itself as a welcoming and important community institution. The simply planned and light-filled interiors are uplifting and easy to navigate, reducing patient stress. A bold color system aids in the orientation for the diverse users and brings spatial delight throughout.

More than $25 million in construction cost
The layout of Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Regional Ambulatory Cancer Center in West Harrison, New York, designed by EwingCole, was built to reduce the cost of healthcare delivery and support both short- and long-term expansion possibilities at the West Harrison site for MSK’s Regional Cancer Center. The challenge for the design team was converting a 1950s office building with the dated brick and metal panel building with large floor plates into a state-of-the-art facility upholding MSK’s preeminence as the leader in cancer treatment. The building has reached LEED Gold status.

The second in this category is the Christ Hospital Joint and Spine Center in Cincinnati, Ohio; the project was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Construction professionals set out to unify the center’s main campus and forge a model for integrated, patient-centered joint and spine care. The company worked with patients, medical professionals, and hospital staff to design the new state-of-the-art Joint and Spine Center. Inside the hospital, spaces for patients are filled with daylight and outside views are maximized to support well-being, and provide quiet spaces for family and staff.

The third candidate selected is the University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. The 20,430-m² (220,000-ft) project was intended to deliver the highest standard of care within an evidence-based, multidisciplinary model, while using modern technologies. It includes spaces for radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy and interventional radiology, exam and procedure rooms, a support and wellness center, infusion, a clinical pharmacy, and a healing garden. The building was designed to emphasize the user experience, integrate the natural beauty of the landscape, and address the needs of the UACC staff and patients. An exterior shade system, along with chilled beams, was the first to be used in an Arizona healthcare setting, greatly contributing to the sustainability of the facility.

The last to be chosen was the University Medical Center New Orleans; the 139,350-m² (1.5-million-sf) building was built to withstand natural disasters. Features include inpatient services, cancer care, behavioral health, and a Level 1 trauma center. The design promotes holistic healing, landscaped courtyards, and private-inpatient rooms with natural light and in-suite bathrooms. Wide double-bays and sliding breakout doors enable swift action in treatment zones. Floor-to-ceiling windows in public spaces create transparency and uplifting views. The project is the state’s largest teaching hospital and training facility for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals.

Innovations in planning and design research
Seattle Children’s Hospital’s South Clinic has current ‘hub and spoke’ model for healthcare, bringing outpatient-services closer to patients in their communities to offer more responsive care while reducing demand for acute care services. The clinic was designed with a focus on patient-flow so providers can serve quickly and efficiently. Located in the suburb of Federal Way and within a shopping center—with existing parking and adjacent community destinations—the design adapts a former Circuit City store into a 3430-m² (37,000-sf) outpatient clinic facilitating urgent care, occupational, and physical therapy.

For more on the awards and its recipients, click here[1]

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/seven-projects-honored-at-national-healthcare-design-awards/

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