Supported a massive modernization and expansion of the 51-acre campus. A purpose-built facility, the Mental Health & Research Facility advances mental health research, diagnosis, and treatment for veterans.
Integrated stricter federal standards with local agency requirements to create optimal campus and building mobility, utility redundancy, and disaster relief. Presented project design alternatives to Veteran Affairs staffers in Washington, D.C., and collaborated with them to elevate the design for this essential facility. The hospital is designed to remain operational for three days following a catastrophic event, allowing it to administer disaster relief during a critical time period.
Designed a phased approach to maximize open days during construction. Managing parking in this already congested area was a significant challenge as the new building site was constructed on the current lot. The team created a parking solution, rerouted utilities, and created a temporary access plan for the ambulance driveway.
Minimized disruption of critical emergency operations with a temporary access plan for ambulance entry. Ambulance access and construction work sequencing were critical to support the hospital’s 24-hour mission. Working closely with the VA and the contractors, we also created a temporary parking solution and a utility sequencing plan.
Created a safe, welcoming experience for all patients and visitors, a key intention for the new building and the updated campus.
Incorporated the Metro bus stop and visitor drop-off area into the complicated site, carefully coordinating this work with two independent teams whose projects were in concurrent, but different, phases of construction.
Addressed ambitious sustainable goals, working collectively with the team to moderate the steep terrain with a series of cascading rain gardens and a tightly coordinated plumbing system for the rainwater cistern housed in the MHR building.
Photography © Benjamin Benschneider All Rights Reserved
