Practicing ArchitectureKnowledge Communities

Page Tools

Reed Construction Data
Exhibit Floor

Advertisements

National Intrepid Center of Excellence

Category D: Innovations in Planning and Design Research, Built and Unbuilt

AIA-Slideshow

Exterior

EXTERIOR <BR /><BR /> The NICoE occupies roughly the same footprint and location as the building originally occupying the site. The new building was sited to preserve the views and amenities of an expansive and elegant manicured lawn to the west. <BR /><BR /> Location: National Naval Medical Center<BR /> Washington, DC<BR /> Firm: SmithGroup<BR /> Architect: Michael Kang, FAIA

Traditional Spaces

TRADITIONAL SPACES <BR /><BR /> By integrating family spaces, natural light, and a balance of large and small spaces, the design solution for rehabilitative care offers healing spaces not just for physical needs, but also the emotional and spiritual needs of the patients, families and caregivers. <BR /><BR /> Location: National Naval Medical Center<BR /> Washington, DC <BR /> Firm: SmithGroup<BR /> Architect: Michael Kang, FAIA

Physical Therapy and Art Therapy

PHYSICAL THERAPY AND ART THERAPY <BR /><BR /> The combination of warm yet modern materials, curving wood walls, soft, non-glare lighting, and open yet private spaces seems to impart an immediate sense of peace as well as the possibility of recovery. <BR /><BR /> Location: National Naval Medical Center<BR /> Washington, DC<BR /> Firm: SmithGroup<BR /> Architect: Michael Kang, FAIA<BR />

Lighting

LIGHTING <BR /><BR /> For patients with traumatic brain injuries, the use of light is extremely important to create a healing environment. Direct light is harsh and disorienting to patients, therefore the implemented design provides even levels of natural and indirect light both in patient and public environments. <BR /><BR /> Location: National Naval Medical Center<BR /> Washington, DC <BR /> Firm: SmithGroup<BR /> Architect: Michael Kang, FAIA

Northeast Corner with Broken Circle Sculpture

NORTHEAST CORNER WITH BROKEN CIRCLE SCULPTURE <BR /><BR /> The building has been designed such that the physical environment of the space facilitates the flow of patients and families throughout the building, is sensitive to the sensory and way finding needs of patients with physical, brain, and psychological injuries, and a space thatcommunicates hope. <BR /><BR /> Location: National Naval Medical Center<BR /> Washington, DC<BR /> Firm: SmithGroup<BR /> Architect: Michael Kang, FAIA

Improved Patient Healthcare

To create a truly healing environment, the design team had to reimagine the building as an active part of the rehabilitative process and not simply a vessel to contain the process. The building was designed in such a way that the physical environment of the space facilitates the flow of patients and families throughout the building while being sensitive to the sensory and wayfinding needs of patients with physical, brain, and psychological injuries.

Jury Comments

There is a nice balance of varied spaces that are highlighted within one envelope. The reliance on transparency and lighting to accentuate areas for therapy and social interaction are outstanding.

The design of the NICoE successfully meets the goals set forth at the outset of the project. The ability to address the myriad of clinical, physical, and emotional needs of the patient and their family members in a thoughtful and well conceived facility speaks well of the entire team to understand, prioritize and capture the essence of what truly makes this a remarkable TBI facility.

Acknowledgements

Cagley & Associates - Structural Engineering

Photo Credits

©Michael Kang, FAIA

Back to 2012 Awards Recipient page

 

Footer Navigation

Universal Navigation

Site Support

Copyright & Privacy

  • © The American Institute of Architects
  • Privacy