Project name: VA Worcester Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
Project overview: As part of this Federal Agency’s nationwide effort to deliver easier access to comprehensive healthcare for the veteran community, the design of this community-based outpatient clinic prioritizes veterans’ unique health and wellness needs to create a clearly defined and welcoming environment. Through layout, materials, graphics, and wayfinding elements, the building becomes a visual gateway, responding to its medical school campus location. In the public-facing glass lobby stair, creative employ of patriotic motifs honors veterans’ service; a multi-story graphic depicts the American flag, a tribute to all those who have served.
Project location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Firm name: SmithGroup
Completion: 2021
Project type: Government Medical Center
Project information: New construction
Size: 117,600 sf
Certifications: Two Green Globes Certification rating (pending); LEED Plus Green Building (pending)
Client: Suffolk Construction
Jury comments: Through a Design/Build partnership between the architect and the contractor, the program concept seamlessly integrates a new building into the UMASS Medical Campus and offers a welcoming, calm, and clearly defined environment. The jury also applauds the program’s consideration of the veteran community’s healthcare needs by offering 90% of necessary care in a single location and creating a connection point with medical students and future clinicians. The program trade-offs seemed well-considered, though the building’s longevity in terms of its lifespan may come into question in the future.
Images/Photographer(s): Anton Grassl
General Contractor: Suffolk
Project or Construction Manager: SmithGroup
Interiors: SmithGroup
Planning: SmithGroup
Civil Engineer: VHB
Structural: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Mechanical: SmithGroup
Electrical: SmithGroup
Plumbing: SmithGroup
Lighting: SmithGroup
Acoustics: Acentech
Consultants: Data: Vantage Technology Consulting Group
