A model by Angela Brown and Ashley Just. (Texas A&M University College of Architecture)
Working in eight teams, students developed modules containing exam rooms and office spaces to promote collaboration between patients, health care providers and staff.
In an effort to draw the building’s surrounding community to the facility, the designs also included retail space for pharmacies, optical sales stores, indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces, and covered vehicle parking.
Some designs included space for health care education.
“We wanted our design to allow for hands-on health and wellness learning for community members of all ages,” said Meggan Lytle, who teamed with Katie Reyes. “We sought to provide the community with a vibrant health hub that will inspire members to care for their body, mind, spirit, and environment.”
The designs also included numerous sustainability features, including rainwater collection facilities, solar panels, and rooftop healing gardens.
“This experience helped them develop practical solutions to design problems,” said Joe Sprague, HKS principal and senior vice president, who also served as a project adviser.
Additional HKS designers from across the country who visited the studio or assisted students via teleconference were Krisianna Bock, Shannon Kraus, Karthik Ramadurai and Ronald L. Skaggs.
The students were led by George J. Mann, holder of the Ronald L. Skaggs, FAIA Endowed Professorship in Health Facilities Design.
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This story by Richard Nira originally appeared in ArchOne.