An open-ended spine wraps the north edge of the escarpment and reconnects existing buildings to the street, resulting in a shared main entrance. Internally, the spine organizes movement with clear hierarchy, leading visitors in intuitive paths from public spaces to increasingly introspective areas while creating separation from technical zones. A hyper-flexible design allows the hospital to shift to respond to future needs. Open-ended circulation, shoebox spaces and strategic adjacencies provide adaptability and facilitate expansion. Inpatient rooms, operating rooms, examination rooms, treatment rooms and offices are designed with universal sizing and modularity allowing for interchangeability within function. Soft spaces positioned adjacent to hard spaces allows for incremental expansion through displacement.
The redevelopment remediated and intensified the contaminated site, minimized demolition and adaptively re-used buildings, reserving new construction for high-tech areas only. A naturally-lit, high-quality interior was achieved through the open, transparent design with light wells and daylight harvesting. Indoor air quality is exemplary through higher utilization of outdoor air, reduction of wasters and toxins, and selection of products that are naturally resistant to infection and mold. Responsibility to the community was another goal: thoughtful materials that ensure long-term protection of resources and local air quality further contribute to a lighter carbon footprint.