Ricardo Hernandez-Perez

School: Virginia Commonwealth University

Graduation Year:2013

Motivation:I decided to enter the competition because it would be an honor to intern for a firm like Gresham, Smith and Partners; also because the competition itself was a big challenge, and seemed like a fun and interesting space to design.

Concept Statement:The concept for the community health and wellness center focuses on creating a space that deviates from conventional healthcare design, and instead explores different sustainable and innovative approaches in the field. The healthcare industry is undergoing major changes; patients seem to yearn for facilities that resemble and incorporate a cozy and homey atmosphere. Using the placid spatial plane that exists between the top of the trees and the clouds as inspiration, I implemented materials and finishes that resembled this imagery while taking into account sustainability.

It was my wish to create a community center that felt more like a living part of the community, so I decided to design a floor plan that mimics a shopping center. As you come into the center, you are greeted by a daycare to your left and a smart cafe to your right. Diving off the cafe from the main hallway are pieces of artwork that hang from the ceiling, made by members of the community.

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This creates hallways that serve more than one purpose, doubling as a gallery and therefore enhancing the experience in the space. Touches of 3form glass panels give a contemporary touch, while incorporating sustainability as well. The ceilings are made of Plyboo panels, as well as some of the furniture in the space.

After walking past the pharmacy to your right you will encounter numerous kiosks that will feature products from local artists, along with a multipurpose event room that can open up to the rest of the space if desired. To the left of the kiosks you will find a community kitchen that will teach cooking classes and provide information on how to eat healthy. The kitchen is also conveniently located next to the loading dock, which allows for easy access during various farmers markets events that will take place in the center. The gym, nutritionist office, and resource center finish off the center. Connected to the gym are the bathroom and locker rooms, allowing public access to the bathroom but limited access to the locker rooms by requiring ID access into the locker room from the bathroom side. Sitting areas are spread throughout the center to encourage a more casual atmosphere.

The entrance to the clinic is located next to the smart cafe and adjacent to the pharmacy for easy access. The waiting area features a more private section that is enclosed by translucent extremis screens, a public area with a television, and an area for children that features a wall that can be written on, as well as an aquarium. The Plyboo paneled hallway leads you into the patient side of the space, which is shaped in the form of a rectangle, anchored by two nurse stations at each end. In the center you have the x-ray room and the laboratory for easy access along with ADA-accessible bathrooms.  On the right side of the clinic is the staff section, holding the offices, staff room, conference room and staff bathrooms. The mechanical and electrical rooms were placed at the corner with the least amount of windows to make use of most of the natural light in the patient rooms. Fixtures from 3form, glass panels from 3form, Plyboo, and Carnegie fabric upholstery make up the assortment of the most prominent sustainable materials in the space. All in all, the center and the clinic follow an aesthetically pleasing design that is functional and sustainable in which the patients can feel at home.