Project Name. SCNM
Project Studio. Healthcare Spring 2017
Project Location. Tempe, Arizona
Project Partner. Clara Medland
Programs Used. Revit, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Podium, Photoshop
Objective. To redesign the existing space of SCNM [Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine]. To project consists of a design renovation of certain areas of an existing building, and will include café, garden space, restrooms, reception, lobby, education areas, yoga space, patient exam spaces, support spaces and staff amenities. Working with a given program with provided square footages, the project goal was to create a new healing, functional, and appealing clinic design for patient, families, staff, and medical students.
My Role. To develop several iterations of test fits for the floorplan. To generate a rendered blocking plan, floor plan, and Reflected Ceiling Plan. To build the 3D model of the exterior building and new skin. To assist in producing the final renders and other final deliverable images for our final presentation.
This healthcare facility is used for the public as well as education. Working with just the first floor, this level needed new space planning as well as branding. Given the needed programming and square footage requirements, the goal was to create a space that helps to re-define the typical notions of health care. A space that focuses on all of its users, with emphasis on community, collaboration, and the whole person.
The floor plan creates unique way finding while addressing the clinics needs through the programming. The lobby is opened up through all three levels to create a light filled atrium. There are three open glass meeting pods in the upper levels of the building, which are used as physician and staff offices, this is to reiterate the idea of transparency that is really important in healthcare. Tinted glass is used as a wayfinding tool to frame the entries of each zone. Such as the green representing student areas and purple for hydrotherapy.
click here to view the programming requirements
First view into the lobby as a guest enters.
Section cut showing 3 story lobby height and conference room room hubs.
the programming layout creates distinct zones that help with efficiency. the clinical area is oriented to begin as public spaces to more private. as the exam rooms are near the main lobby, whereas the blood draw room and minor surgery are located in a more private area. dropped ceiling heights occur in the clinic, hydrotherapy and student areas to distinguish the shift in environment from more public to private. artificial lighting is used throughout. new energy efficient light by GE can be adjusted to suit natural circadian rhythms based on the time of day.
Back door circulation was created in areas where patients and employees could separate.
At the end of the major hallways views of nature and natural sunlight are shown.
View down through the a main hallway, with acoustical baffles and a view to the exterior at the end of the hall.
Cove lighting and sound absorbing baffles help warm the space and aid in wayfinding along major corridors.
The patients coming in have the option of a face to face interaction at the desk, or a quick check in at the kiosks.
Patients can plan visits and schedule appointments through the SCNM app. They can access a patient portal and contact doctors on a 24-7 emergency basis. They also have access to see any events taking place.
Within the lobby there is a café. This is a place for users to go and enjoy healthy options, as well as shop through our own line of holistic foods and products. Products feature the various health benefits of specific ingredients. This is to help inform the buyer and possibly enable them to make future healthier decisions
Larger exam rooms are able to accommodate family and friends. Distinct zones make the space extremely efficient and place an emphasis on physician mobility. The clerestory windows allow for natural lighting while still maintaining the patient's privacy. Each exam room has a charting station and smart board so that information can be projected onto the screen to allow for open discussion and transparency.
A sub family waiting room within the clinic provides a space to relax and wait with larger families.
The student integration area creates a casual, flexible space to immerse them within the clinical zone.
Clinical integration areas break up the clinic corridors. On both sides, the sliding glass partitions allow for easy access and collaboration for the staff.
Regarding the exterior, it needed to be determined where shade was needed most and how to accommodate that with a new façade design. A sun diagram was created to determine the most exposed side. taking thought into the calculations of the new façade design in order to get the most shade for the ribbon windows was important. A radical approach of wrapping the entire building with the perforated metal design, relates to the old building while creating a unique identity. Also wrapping the façade around the parking garage helps with wayfinding.
Section showing (left) parking garage, (center) this project building, and (right) adjacent SCNM college
