Internal Medicine Clinic

Location

Hammond, Louisiana

Owner

Internal Medicine Clinic of Tangipahoa, LLC

Completion Date

2008

Awards

2008 - South Central Construction Best of 2008 - Best Private Design

The project for The Internal Medicine Clinic of Tangipahoa provided a new facility for 11 physicians and their expanding base of patients. The interior space planning evolved around the establishment of an interior spine, along which all of the primary, secondary, and tertiary spaces are distributed. This spinal concept allowed for a more effective method of way finding. The design allowed efficiency to increase by providing individual waiting areas and more exam rooms for each physician, which improved patient satisfaction.

A large overhang announces the main entry while creating a covered vehicle drop-off and a solar shading device. Exposed wood timbers are accented by strategic up-lighting. From the street, a rhythmic facade can be seen created by concrete pilasters, glu-laminated beams and columns. The primary materials for the building include split and ground face masonry, metal wall and roof panels, glass curtain walls, concrete, and glu laminated wood columns and beams. As a response to solar orientation, fenestration was limited on the east & west facades. Each doctor’s office is given a view into a green space.

The facility’s internal spine is the main path of travel for all visitors. For way finding purposes, each of the four sub-waiting areas are identified by a different color scheme. The clerestory monitors located at each sub-waiting area allow natural light to illuminate the interior spaces and provide a rhythmic change in spatial volume which corresponds to key areas of the program. The use of wood and warm finishes provide a comfortable environment for patients and visitors. The custom millwork is user friendly and easily identifies different points of interaction within the lobby. The main waiting areas are enhanced by the volume of the space. The large expanses of glazing allow adequate natural light to filter through while the large overhang is calculated to block most of the direct sun.