Bucks County Orthopedic Specialists – Winner of the 2021 IIDA-GA Best of the Best Heal<35,000sf
The Challenge
Bucks County Orthopedic Specialists had a growth and branding challenge. They had outgrown their current location and became very fragmented, which became confusing for both staff and patients. Their existing practice was separated over two floors. Physicians would be working in one suite and patients would go to the another by mistake for their appointment. In recent years, a larger orthopedic practice had expanded into their market. Bucks County Orthopedic faced the challenge of competing with the larger group in their market location. The objective was to relocate to a larger single space and expand the amount of exam rooms and x-ray services provided and grow the physical therapy group while creating a design rebranding them to provide a market edge. The group leased 14,000 sf, within the same building where the surgeries are performed. The program consisted of 18 exam rooms, 2 x-ray rooms, a physical therapy gym and treatment rooms as well as support spaces. The design challenge was connecting the clinic and physical therapy space while maintaining operational separation. The unavoidable challenge was during construction, COVID19 caused delays in material deliveries and travel for the design team’s onsite review.
The Concept
“Outside-In”. The concept was evident during our pre-design visit to the suite. Biophilic design connects the built environment to the natural environment and enhances the interior design of the space while creating an ability for the occupants and visitors to feel an expansion of breath, while providing for a mental and visual break from the daily stressors of the medical environment. The suite has expansive floor to ceiling windows and a continuous window system along the entire suite. seasonally, the views also enhance the space – the project location is in the Northeast, the spring and fall views are spectacular, as well as in winter, when a wet snow fails and sticks to the trees. The building is situated at the top of the hill within the office complex and is completely tree lined with unobstructed views. Priority goals of the design concept:
- Focus on the natural exterior views
- Highlight views with organic shapes and nature like materials
- Provide as much direct natural light as possible while maintaining patient privacy
The Solution
To meet the client’s three main goals of rebranding, planning a cohesive space, and design a strong connection to the outdoors; the team planned a space easily navigated focusing on exterior views with neutral toned finishes not competing with the outside beauty. The lobby area is expansive with easy navigation for patients before/after surgery. Natural light and treescapes are the ‘main event’ with the interior design highlighting the floor to ceiling panoramic views. Neutral finish tones allow maximum effect of colors during all seasons. The main design element is the ceiling flowing through the space. The Clinic’s six-foot-wide passages provide ease of movement for staff and patients. Sliding glass doors provide borrowed light and patient privacy. Finishes compliment the views. Cushion-backed flooring minimizes foot noise, work-areas have circular ends to omit corners. Lighting comes from a variety of sources and can be individually controlled. The PT space is an open room concept with a window wall in the gym and an open ceiling concept allowing space to feel continuous. Materials are specific for Physical Therapy, a heat welded cushioned sports floor was installed to reduce the possibility of patient falls. Graphics installed throughout are bright, fun, and motivational.
Watch the Bucks County Orthopedic Specialists CEO Interview