A Design For A Community Health Center Preparing Design Students For The Challenges

“A Design for A Community Health Center: Preparing Design Students for the Challenges.”
Hans-Peter (Hepi) Wachter
Associate Professor, University of Oklahoma
College of Architecture, Division of Interior Design
and
George J. Mann
Professor, Texas A&M University
The Skaggs-Sprague Endowed Chair of Health Facilities Design,
Department of Architecture
and
Dave Boeck
Associate Professor, University of Oklahoma
College of Architecture, Division of Architecture
and
Shawn Schaefer
Assistant Professor and Director, University of Oklahoma
College of Architecture, Urban Design Studio
Abstract
This round table will discuss the needs to engage the medical community in the programming and design
process of Community Health Facilities. The case studied is an interdisciplinary design collaboration
between architecture students and interior design students at the College of Architecture at the University
of Oklahoma, the Urban Design Studio in Tulsa, the Architecture for Health Design Studio at Texas
A&M University, the clinical program development at the OU Wayman Tisdale Specialty Center, School
of Community Medicine and the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation. The studio also worked with
community partners, collaborators in the field of the build environment and partnering healthcare provider
and professionals in the medical field with a focus on community healthcare facilities and public health in
the community. Community participation and involvement in academic projects are often challenging.
This project developed a communication concept and built a bridge through the web as public interface
(Wiki and Blog), a project steering committee comprised of public service organizations and focus groups
lead by neighborhood organizations. The project will point out the lessons learned and the possible
interface between healthcare providers and health facility design education.

Purpose
The project presented is a design collaboration between architecture and interior design students
at the College of Architecture University of Oklahoma, the Urban Design Studio in Tulsa, the
Architecture for Health Design Studio at Texas A&M University, the clinical program
development at the OU Wayman Tisdale Specialty Center, School of Community Medicine and
the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation. The studio worked with community partners,
collaborators in the field of the build environment and partnering healthcare provider and
professionals in the medical field with a focus on community healthcare facilities. 37
architecture, 20 interior design, six urban design students and six faculties from the University of
Oklahoma and Texas A&M University engaged in this collaboration to design a community
health facility and the adjacent Northland Shopping Center in Tulsa Oklahoma (exhibit 1).
The interaction with the clinical development program at the OU School for Community
Medicine and the exchange with the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation encouraged the
understanding of diverse disciplines, methods, perspectives, and approaches in the development
of the project.
The collaboration aims for the two participating institutions was sharing resources and networks
and develop a research infrastructure in community health design. For example, the Texas A&M
University maintains the Center for Health Systems and Design as a research center associated
with the College of Architecture which can be a resource for undergraduate and graduate
students of both Universities.
The aim for the students was to benefit from the 40 year long Health Design Studio experience at
Texas A&M, the diverse lecture series put together for the course and the partnering with health
provider and economic development specialists. The students also benefited from the
interdisciplinary collaboration of Architecture, Interior Designer and Urban Planning students. In
addition, the College of Nursing at the OU Health Science Center, School of Community
Medicine in Tulsa, and the architecture firms HKS in Dallas and Rees Associates in Oklahoma
City advised the students.
Method
Interdisciplinary design studio settings provide education to instill effective teaming skills and
actively entrench collaborative techniques for problem solving and design solutions for students

to succeed in their future careers. The industry indicates importance of a multi-disciplinary team
approach in developing successful projects and our industry partner HKS and Rees Architects
helped the participating students to understand and apply teaming skills and acted as a bridge
between the two institutions.
All project phases required student team work and a pre-defined deliverable which was presented
verbally and visually to all other constituencies. The project developed a communication concept
through the World Wide Web as public interface (Wiki and Blog) to enable all stakeholders in
the project to be updated on current developments without waiting for scheduled meetings and to
enrich the student learning experience through constant feedback and reflection.
The students and faculty from both institutions met in Tulsa Oklahoma at the School of
Community Medicine to kick-off the project with lectures and learning activities (exhibit 2) lead
by health design experts, researchers and clinic staff from the Health Science Center and staff
from the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation. Students and faculty also visited the
building site of the health center and met with public service groups and neighborhood
associations for interviews.
The midterm project review brought all participants together in Dallas at the HKS office.
Students presented design concepts and schematic solutions to each other, graduate students
from the health facility design program at Texas A&M, faculty of both institutions and to design
professionals.
A final project review was scheduled in Tulsa and included the Tulsa Economic Development
Corporation, city council members, and other community service organizations.
Invited speakers through web-cast, enriched the concept of multi-disciplinary contributions to the
process (exhibit 3).
To enhance collaboration and increase effectiveness of the project outcome, the participants
employed technology in designated teaming spaces where students shared and discussed design
concepts using Mediascape ™. Skype and video conferencing supported the weekly live lectures
from Texas A&M University including Q&A sessions. Skype was also employed for student
discussion and interaction between the two institutions.

Outcomes
Interdisciplinary collaboration between architecture and interior design students at OU have been
offered for 3 years prior to the cross-institutional collaboration of the project introduced in this
narrative. Student surveys reflections indicated that they perceived the cross-institutional
participation more enriching through exposure to another institutional culture and student body.
Interior design and architecture students particularly reported on the value of the cross-
disciplinary integrated design solution and the collaborative process. The students also benefited
from the experience of the Health Design Program Texas A&M brought to the project, while
Texas benefited from the Interior Design component offered at OU and not available at Texas
A&M. The shared resources proved to be cost effective and enabled higher quality feedback to
the students, which would have been difficult to reach for each institution on its own. Comparing
interdisciplinary student design outcomes from previous years with the design outcomes of the
cross- institutional collaboration, project issues where solved in more depth and higher level of
problem solving.

Architerior Innovations
The goal of Architerior Innovations is to create positive,
community driven spaces that harmonize with the
environment, exploit technology, harness synergy, and enliven
people. We plan on using this mission statement as a basis for
our design concept of the Northland Shopping Center and the
Wayman Tisdale Specialty Clinic.
Architerior Innovations includes
architects Brandon Conklin and Sally
Morris and interior designers Lindsay
Rule and Chelsea Roush.
Site Description
Our site is located in North Tulsa at the
Northland Shopping Mall. The project
program includes the existing shopping
mall.
Site Visit
Community Health and
Environmental Design

Site Analysis
For this project, we have decided to focus
our efforts towards a concept centered
around community growth and
sustainability. In that, our design solution
will reflect an interconnectedness which
incorporates the idea of transparency and
wellness.!
Next week:
Since we decided which elements of the
program we want to keep and expand on,
this week’s goal is to finalize building
massing and begin on schematic designs
for the interiors, working toward a
functioning floor plan. It’s really starting to
come together; we have translated many
of the good ideas we had initially forward
into the design, and we cant wait to have
something more concrete...tomorrow, at
2:30. Don’t be late.
The main design
revolved around
the existing
shopping mall on
the site since it
had high
sentimental value
for the
community.
Site Analysis
and
Programming
Sustainable Urban
Community Design Studio

Urban Farming Concept
In order to enhance community
involvement and enable Neighbor for
Neighbor to expand their outreach to the
surrounding area, the “wellness center” of
the clinic program will be dedicated to an
urban farming complex. This facility will
house classrooms for demonstration and
educational purposes; although their main
function is to promote urban farming and
wellness at home, the classrooms can also
be used at night for smoking cessation
meetings, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics
Anonymous, etc.
The center will not only teach health and
wellness, but also enable community
members (young to old) to learn about
green jobs, foster children and adults to
become participating members of the
community, and help feed families in need.
A fresh produce grocery store
located on the first floor will be
accompanied by a café that serves meals
made from freshly grown fruits and
vegetables on the second floor of the
wellness area. Part of the green roof
expanding over the Northland Center will be
set aside for garden plots maintained by
community members as a free source of
food.
Our grocery store is adjacent to one of the first floor
greenhouses. The food is meant to be free since it is
tendered by the community. This will incite people to
come here for food instead of the local fast food
establishments.

XXX
Entrance Perspective
Arial View
3D Structure
Site Plan
Sustainable Urban

Patio Perspective
Section Perspective of Chemotherapy and Pediatrics Clinic
Section Perspective of Entry Entry Perspective

Chemotherapy Outpatient Clinic
The main concept for the chemotherapy
center is to provide patients with a physical
and psychological healing experience with
the use of light and nature. This outpatient
chemotherapy treatment center was
created to provide comfort and promote
care. The facility will allow 5 patients to be
treated concurrently at any given time. The
size of the space allows for a very flexible
interpretation of what occurs during a
chemotherapy appointment. The design is
to provide chemotherapy to patients closer
to their homes in a more streamlined
manner, reducing wait-time by separating
ancillary services from the chemotherapy
delivery experience.
XXX
Seating Materials:
Flooring and 3 Form:
Infusion Room Perspective
Entrance Perspective
Floor Plan NTS
Sustainable Urban

Pediatric Clinic
The pediatric clinic incorporated the
abundant amount of sunlight and open
space the building provides. The floor
plan has an organic form which creates
an “open” feeling to the whole space
without sacrificing privacy for the exam
rooms and administration area. The
main motivation behind the design of
this space was to make an inviting,
unintimidating environment that
children and their parents will feel
comfortable in. The pediatric
nutritionist area is set up as a work
station rather than office so that
children can learn interactively about
health and wellness, instilling in them
good habits from an early age. The play
area leads out onto the patio which acts
as a public outdoor space.
Seating Materials:
Flooring ,3 Form, and Wood Finish:
Floor Plan NTS

XXX
Model and Presentation
Finally Presentations came and went. Our
project and the model were received well
in both College Station and Tulsa… Chelsea
even had her picture taken for the
newspaper! We are happy that this
project is over, and for all the hard work
we put in we have an extraordinary
design. Hope you enjoy!
.
Sustainable Urban

KCJ[2]
KCJ[2]
KC(J)2 is an Architecture and Interior
Design Firm specializing in Healthcare
Design.
Principal Architects:
Jeff Slajer and Jason Clements
Principal Interior Designers:
Kelci Fitch and Christina David
Site Description
Our site is located in North Tulsa. The
cross streets are 36th St N and Hartford
Our building design aims to bring people from the
surrounding areas into our clinic and facilitate their needs as
best as possible. Taking into consideration the location of the
site, we wanted to make sure and meet the demands of the
people both clinically and economically.

KCJ[2]
Week One
The first week we analyzed the site and its
context. It is located in North Tulsa,
surrounded by neighborhoods. There is an
alzheimer’s clinic located to the
NorthWest on a very high hill. We decided
to keep the current community center to
be sustainable and leave less of a carbon
footprint. Also, the structural integrity is
already solid, made of CMU and
reinforced concrete.
We then decided to cut
directly through the site, in between our
clinic and the existing community center.
The curvature of this pedestrian pathway
is simply a continuation of the
neighborhood street directly to the north.
We decided that we want plenty of green
space for a park like feel
Sustainable Urban

KCJ[2]
This is where it started to become difficult in
coming up with the form for our clinic. We
decided that we want to mimic what was
already there by having it form a continuing
datum from the existing building. Also, it is
an L-shape that turns south, just like the
demolished section was formed.
We wanted a green roof with terracing,
stepping down from the primary L-shaped
form that dominates the structure. There are
two cantilever on each side. On the west
side, it serves as a protection from the
elements as well as shading for pedestrians.
The cantilever that faces the south serves as
a covered drop off point. The entrance is
located pointing towards the community
park and path area.
Upcoming decisions include materials and
architectural detailing around the façade.
Week Two

KCJ[2]
We began building the massing model
for the site as well as a more detailed
model for our clinic. The three masses
that raise above the roof plane are
mechanical systems for elevators as
well as stairwells. We could not decide
whether we wanted these to be fully
glazed but decided to only leave the
western fire stair open and
transparent.
There is plenty of glazing around the
building, and we added aluminum
awnings to provide shading. To create a
language for the material, we decided
to be as horizontal and linear. The
aluminum awnings relate to the
aluminum shading device panels that
hang off of each cantilever. Finally, we
decided upon using boardform concrete
around the façade.
Final design elements for the entire site
were the parking lots, dividing the
community center in half for better
access, a pathway around the entire
site, a small retention pond, and
terracing with many trees.
Week Three
Sustainable Urban

Week Three
Our goal for this week was to have our
floorplan finalized and starting to render.
We wanted to completely finish the
floorplan so we could check it off of our final
rendering list!
We stayed on top of things and finalized all
design developments before we left for
Thanksgiving Break.
Next week will include:
Work over the break so that we have as
much done as possible before we have to
head to College Station.
XXX
Here we have our final floor plan renderings
of our 9,000 square foot space within our
clinic. The first floor shows our developed
entryway and the Ambulatory Care while
the second floor shows a Café waiting area
for the outpatient surgery upstiars.
KCJ[2]

XXX
Week Four
Finishing Up
KCJ[2]
Getting closer to the last week before
presentations in College Station and Tulsa,
we spent this time tying up all the loose
ends.
Here we have the final floor plans that are
showing the different areas facilitated
within the clinic.
The most difficult part of laying out the
clinic was making sure that everyone’s
needs were taken care of and that
adjacencies were where they needed to be.
A large number of areas in the center
focused mainly on Outpatient Clinics,
Administration and Public spaces along with
Diagnostice/Treatment centers.
.
Sustainable Urban

Week Five
With the project coming to a close, the
interiors have been developed and
rendered using the Autodesk 3ds Max
computer program. We feel that this
describes not only the feel and
atmosphere of our clinic, but also
displays our space planning and
materials well. Next on the list, putting
together our final presentation—which
will include the Architecture Design, Fly
Through, and more Renderings.
XXX
KCJ[2]
Here we are showing (clockwise from top
left) Nurses Station, Pharmacy, Café, a
Patient Room, and two views of the
Entryway. The Nurse’s Station, Pharmacy,
and Patient Room are all developments of
the Ambulatory Care. We developed the
Ambulatory Care because of its high traffic,
excessive use space. This space reaches out
to the majority of the population of the
community in Tulsa North.

XXX
KCJ[2]
Overall, the design process
was one of growth.
Collaboration is never
smooth and easy but always
a great experience.
We all learned something
valuable from each other
that we can walk away
saying that we hadn’t known
to begin with.
Jason Clements, Kelci Fitch, Jeff Slajer, Christina David
Sustainable Urban

ELEVATION
Elevation: arch & design as a firm aims to create dynamic, high-
concept spaces that create inviting exteriors and interiors that reflect
the people whom inhabit them as well as the local area. Taking what
currently exists and elevating it to a place of true design is the
measure of a successful design and execution of the clients wants
and needs.
Rachel Franklin.
Jenhuang Chen.
Harold Barnes III.
Denisa Rocabado
This clinic is centered around a holistic
approach dealing with the whole
person.
This building is not only meant to heal
the people but meant to heal a
community.
Respecting the present day condition of
both the site and the people, this
building invites the landscape and the
tumultuous nature of the community
into the architecture.
Elevation

Week 1
Distinguishing shape language and a
language for how the building, both
interiors and exteriors would speak
to one another, was the critical
design problem attacked.
Designating a center core with an
atrium concept was decided early on
in the process, and giving the
building a dynamic vocabulary is
seen in the sketches.
How all these high-concept
articulations would work in tandem
with the interior requirements of the
users was also in the beginning
stages.
The Building
Sketches:
-Shape language
-Site relation
-Volumetric
differentiation
Sustainable Urban
Elevation

Elevation
Week 2
The next phase was to collaborate the
circulation between the unique site and
the building. Having an existing
building to work with, as well as a steep
grade layout, the connection was very
important to our design.
We wanted to incorporate several entry
locations. The decision was made to
make an entry on each side.
Overall, it was most important to
continue this flow of circulation from
the exterior to the interior.
The site plan shows the interesting layout of
contours and how our structure blends in with the
earth. Its rectangular shape allows for easy access
from any direction.

XXX
We knew that we wanted our
building to be monumental and
release a statement about
sustainability and the effect it can
have a community that needs a
healthier environment so
desperately. We felt that all
deserve great architecture and the
chance to be apart of green
architecture first hand here in
Oklahoma. It is a place of hope and
the path to a better chance at life.
We used the East entry
as a perfect example of
pulling nature into the
building. The bus stop’s
linear axis directs one
into the building. He or
she follows the reflecting
pool directly inside where
one may experience the
same type of atmosphere.
Sustainable Urban
Elevation

Creating the ability for natural
light to flow into all areas on all
floors was critical to this
concept of connecting this
structure with the existing
community. Allowing for
complete openness of both the
function and structure was part
of elevating the experience both
inside and outside this clinic
and community center. To
allow visitors to venture
outdoors or have a more private
experience was address with
increased amounts of areas that
go to large expansive public
areas and more private interior
spaces.
XXX
Procedural areas such as chemotherapy and
dialysis were placed on the second floor with
outdoor areas to continue the external flow to
interiors accessible easy from a second floor
drop-off drive. Worker and non-public areas
were placed on the third floor as it was seen
as the most remote area.
The areas in the first floor are seen as
highly accessible and attractive to draw
the interests and use from the local
community. This was utilized by putting
coffee shop, bookstore, wellness center,
yoga, pharmacy and access required
ambulatory and urgent care on the first
floor.
Elevation

Above:
Light study was done to see how both
natural and artificial light would affect
the space and the flow between levels.
Top Right:
The view from the second floor
promenade has a boardwalk feel with
views to the first level. The dynamic
lighting from the above skylight and the
fountain up-lights creates visual draw.
Right:
Trees, over-flowing fountains and
sedum surrounds give an outdoor
feeling to this most interior area that
could be a dark space where sunlight
flows from all directions.
XXX
Central Areas
The atrium
Sustainable Urban
A main street feeling to this interior area of
navigation allows for guests to the building
to create a new feeling of neighborhood to
a town in the rebuilding stages.
The boardwalk quality of the wood and
glass second floor walk makes for an
unusual focal point that draws visitors eyes
upward toward the skylight and elevates
the experience to highlight the architecture.
Trees are used to emphasize the outdoor
concept and also draw pathogens out of the
air. Antiqued bronze structural columns
and window mullions give a historical
reference and creates a more relatable
vocabulary to the material selections of the
space.
Elevation

Plan view
The floor plan is kept simple with
designated areas for equipment and
a reception desk near the entrance.
This allows for easy navigation of
the space and a calming view from
the second floor running path.
XXX
Bottom left:
Flooring changes designate areas for equipment and
pathways for users to navigate the large wellness
center. The repeated materials from the main entry
are seen in the patina bronze mullions and privacy is
executed through blue glass and waved 3Form in the
pool area.
Bottom right:
The second floor running track is open to the first floor
to allow for maximum exposure to the extensive
grounds. 3Form is once again used in the railing to
give personality and visual interest from both floors of
the center.
Elevation

XXX
Elevation
Green roof
A sedum treated
rooftop on the second
floor allows for those
entering the building
from the second floor
drop-off to experience
an outdoor space
without leaving the
facility. It has a
covered portion created
by the third floor and
has a true outdoor area
that repeats the
structural articulation
seen in other areas on
the window wall to the
adjacent waiting area.
Sustainable Urban

CORR Design
The Site Plan shown to the right shows
how our building and green space
interacted with the A&M students’ strip
center design (in grey). Our concept
focused on promoting healing through the
ideas of music, movement, and comfort.
The curved buildings and open site plan
are inviting to the community, and provide
many opportunities for the community to
use the building, which will in turn
encourage involvement in healthcare,
health education, exercise, etc.

CORR Design
Sustainable Urban

CORR Design
Shown is the master floor plan (3 floors) and
the relationship between them. We
developed three areas: Entry, Urgent Care,
and Chemotherapy. Each area was placed
specifically to easily accommodate users and
promote easy way-finding. Movement
becomes easy in this building, with the
incorporated walkway that continues within
the inner curve of the building.
First Floor Second Floor Third Floor

CORR Design
In this particular location, it was
vital that as many opportunities as
possible were utilized to get the
community to come to the building in
the first place. For this reason, an
amphitheater is centrally located, for
the community’s use. Also, the entry
functions also as a multipurpose
room, able to be used for various
events, educational programs, etc.
The modern architecture of the
building is unique, but not offensive
or overpowering in the existing
community of Tulsa North.
Shown are the
exterior
perspectives, and
the building’s
relationship to the
amphitheater, as
well as the
relationship to
TAMU’s portion of
the site design,
the community
center.
Sustainable Urban

CORR Design
The Entry/Multipurpose room
incorporated maximum views to the
outside courtyard and amphitheater
area. Modern materials and furniture
were utilized. Every material and
surface is commercial-rated and chosen
specifically for healthcare design. A
curved walkway that runs along with
the window wall continues throughout
the entire building, and is used for easy
wayfinding and heavy traffic. A glass-
enclosed modern children’s play area is
located in the north portion of the entry,
and serves as yet another feature to
bring users to the location. Vibrant and
cool colors were used in the space to
provide a unique healthcare experience
without being offensive or troubling to
the users. An abstract graphic was used
on walls throughout the space, adding to
the concept of music, movement, and
healing. A combination of concrete, vinyl
wood flooring, and steel columns
contrast with each other providing an
overall cool space with welcoming and
comfortable features.

CORR Design
The Urgent Care area is located
immediately adjacent to the
Entry/Multipurpose Room and
provides its own unique experience of
healing, movement, and comfort,
while still incorporating sustainable
material selections and holistic
design. All materials and furnishings
were chosen for their durability,
antimicrobial benefits, as well as
aesthetic qualities. A similar
abstract graphic was used as wall art
to carry this theme throughout the
building and promote healing,
happiness, and movement.
Sustainable Urban

CORR Design
The Chemotherapy area needed to be as
adaptable as possible, since users could be
there up to as much as nine hours a day,
seven days a week. Three Private
Chemotherapy rooms are available, as well as
a large group room for those who prefer to
bring friends, or to get treatment together. All
furniture and materials in the space are very
well-suited for this application, since there are
very easy to keep clean and are very durable
and comfortable. The backing used for the
Mannington carpet is R-Evolve, which is an
impermeable backing, allowing any spills or
germs to be completely gathered and
sterilized without seeping into the floor and
being absorbed. Every room has maximum
views to the outside, while partially screened
with foliage for a feeling of privacy when
needed.

CORR Design
The Section perspectives show the
developed rooms (Entry, Urgent
Care, and Chemotherapy) and their
relationships to each other and the
rest of the building. As seen, all
spaces are unique in their own way,
while still containing a balance and
flow throughout the space.
Sustainable Urban

AKxFY Architecture & Interior Design Studio
AKxFY Architecture &
Interior Design Studio
Above is our logo “AKFY” which tells a
simple story of the collaboration
between the two different disciplines of
architecture and interior design. AK =
Arancibia, Ku with poched exterior walls
symbolizing the exterior architecture and
FY = Fleck, Yang symbolizing the interior
arrangement of interior design. This logo
is all encompassing as the interior and
exterior are bonded together by a
common element and the “x” structure
further depicting the tie between the
two expertise.
AKxFY: Architecture & Interior Design Studio is an interdisciplinary collaboration with dedication to not
only interior and exterior aesthetics, but also a strong emphasis to the sustainable, functional, and ease of
interaction of the end design regarding all aspects of space. Our philosophy is to deliver an innovative design
solution that reflects the unique characteristics of the community and the people within them.
Site Description
Our site is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma at
36th St North and Hartford
Site Analysis, Adjacencies, & Blocking
Few of our Precedent & Inspirational Images

1F
8000sq ft
2F
Here we’ve got our contours of the site with the
existing shopping center that we’re proposing to
demolish the east end in order to increase foot and
traffic circulation. We also plan to update the façade
to blend the existing and new construction.
Architects are addressing parking needs, materials
and some basic volumetric structure and support.
The first floor spaces are clearly separated into the two wings, with the common spaces and highest traffic
located on the central diagonal axis. We were challenged with the circulation of space and issues of privacy
due to patient needs. The main entrance is on the southeast corner of the building where the majority of the
parking will be located, however each end of the wings are emphasized with designated parking and secondary
entrances.
The second floor is laid out similarly to the first, with the specialty areas located on the north end of the
building, while the majority of the common spaces are concentrated on the other end. In addition to the
spaces required we decided to include a learning center that is specific for lectures as well as educational
seminars and classes to educate the community on the new healthcare bill and the changes that concern
them.
At the mid point review we had decided that the 8,000 square foot developed interiors include part of the
entry, waiting on the first and second floor, part of imaging, and part of the upstairs circulation.
Sustainable Urban

Mid-Point Review:
“After the mid-point review and critique
with our professors we got a few pointers
about and about 30 minutes later we decided
that we were going to move a few simple
things in our building… we’re scrapping all of
our hard work pre-Dallas. We’ve addressed
some issues, have better design ideas, and
we believe that we’ve all got a better grasp
on the direction of our facility.
Points of considerations:
-revamping the exterior with special features
-opening up an additional atrium space
-slicing part of the building on the west side
-integrating our egresses
-outdoor area that we are incorporating as an
additional patio/waiting for days with nice
weather/retention wall
- work with the topography that will ease the
building into a split level with purpose
-rearranging interior space to focus on the
different departments and the purpose and
connections between then
-relate the entire space and entire site
-two main entries, one focused on the retail
and one on the clinics/vertical circulation in
the clinic area/spaces radiating out from this
main traffic area
-more windows for the clinic rooms and still
maintain privacy for the patients
“As a team we have begun to work more cohesively. We have been spending more time with each other and
have learned each others strengths and weaknesses as workers. When we review our critiques and main
points of concern we are able to easily communicate with each other and we have really seen our ideas begin
to mesh and become one design. ”

XXX
Process Sketches
Week four proved to be challenging as we
finalized our second and final draft for the
interior floor plan. Minor changes occurred
throughout the week, but are settled in our
space planning and are adding details per our
research and review comments. We began
developing in more of a 3-dimensional
volumetric mind set and began to work
through our scale and privacy concerns. At this
point, we changed our focus to develop our
8,000 square feet of the outpatient clinic, and
began preliminary modeling and detailing. A
couple of requests have been made to the
architects, one of them being clerestory
windows in areas of the building where the
upper and lower ground floors conflict with
the solution of natural day lighting.
From the architectural point of view our
building officially sits on our site with split level
entries. From the bus drop off one would enter
at the lower ground level, while the
retail/existing shopping mall/mini-park entry is
located on the upper ground floor.
Additionally, architects have developed a
section through our building to roughly show
how the building is oriented on our site and
have begun finalizing the dimensions of the
retaining wall and heights as well as various
details approaching the materials.
Sustainable Urban

Interiors have been finalizing the details
of the atrium glass for our main entry. It was
a bit of a challenge trying to figure out how
to arrange it so that we created clear
circulation and distinct, purposeful spaces
for our end users. Because this was such a
large area, we struggled to create more
intimate spaces within the open lobby. In
our second open atrium area, the architects
are still evaluating the pros and cons of using
a completely glass roofing or using shading
systems. We discussed as a team and
decided that it was necessary to continue
the elements in the main lobby.
In the upcoming week, we were challenged
to get everything finalized and details
worked out before Thanksgiving break.
XXX
Additional sketches and process from the
interiors.
During the sixth week of development, the team divided up significantly and started
working on different aspects of our project. With this, it means to approach everything with
creative responsibility. Take what has been developed and go a step further in completing
the design, calling the shots, while making sure that it will be a smart choice for the group,
clinic, and community. The architects have been trying to straighten some details on the
structure, final materials, and exactly how the roof will function in relation to our floor plan.
They have also been addressing mechanical rooms and structural details.

XXX
Interiors have finalized their interior
renderings and the floor plans completed
and ready to put into the final presentation
spread. We have a rough layout scheme
ready for everything this week and it
shouldn’t take too long to complete this
section of our project. We’ve finalized our
materials so the only things left are the
descriptions and labels.
Few details were left for the last minute, but
we finished everything just a little early and
in time for Thursday morning load up.
The seventh week resulted in overtime at studio and
frequent Walgreens adventures. We began wrapping
up the project through the final render production
Models in both architecture and interiors. The team
was in time management mode with less than a week to
finalize everything and we were looking forward to
seeing everything completed and getting it together.
The architects have been working on their digital
models. We’ve got a really nice portion of the massing
model done and we’re trying to get some structural
issues ironed out. Arch has a massing model ,structural
model and physical model. The landscaping is coming
along with the massing model as well as details in the
digital model.
With most of the project done and underway, we
compiled the rest of our stuff and got our physical
model ready. Architects have 95% of their massing
models completed. Finishing up those sections and
putting together that physical model will be the rest of
our exterior priorities for this week.
Sustainable Urban

Closing up!
Architects on Collaboration:
“It was a great new experience. It was
hard at the beginning because as an
architecture student was used to working
by myself… I mean I would design all the
details for my projects so it was strange
having to share my ideas without knowing
if there were going to agree… [but] they
were really supportive. It was great cause
I heard that other groups weren’t really
supportive … but I feel that we all shared
our ideas and had a great relationship as a
group.” –Javier Arancibia
XXX
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“It was my first time to design a final project with interior
design students. The good things about the collaboration
were not just letting others to do what they are excelled at,
but also developing communication skills along with the
teammates. I really enjoyed seeing the building with fantastic
floor plans and realistic interior space renderings. There were
also times that the architectural side needed to throw away
some design ideas due to the interior design side's concerns,
and vice versa. The most challenging thing we faced was time
management. Another was the collaboration of computer
software. We had issues trying to convert files between
different design program since not all of us are using the
same software. After all, the result came out great.
The interior design group did an awesome job and they took
care everything that they needed to do. The architectural
group could have done something more for the building and
the surrounding site if we use our time wisely, and we learned
from it. ” –Kevin Ku
Physical site model
Digital Model

XXX
PLEASE VISIT:
ONEAKFY.TUMBLR.COM
FOR OUR WEEKLY BLOGS
INTERIORS ON COLLABORATION
EXPERIENCE OVER THE YEARS:
“There were times where we had to
figure out how to work around each
of our work habits and schedule, but
the end result proved successful, I
think. I’m glad we did this project
together.” –Aileen Yang
“I think we did a really good job and
worked well together. I am glad that
we worked together and I think it
was clear to the people that we
presented to as well.” –Taylor Fleck
At the end of our project we made
it down to College Station, TX for a
few days toured, presented, and spent
time together as architect and interior
students and we’ve also visited Tulsa,
OK for our final presentation as a
more formal wrap up. Our group
overall received positive feedback at
both locations and we definitely
would call this project a success.
Thank you for all the critiques and
support and hope that you all have
enjoyed this project and final design.
Sustainable Urban

Urban Community Health Alliance
Project Goals:
- To provide healthcare and healthcare education to the residents of Tulsa
North
- Improve the overall well-being of the surrounding neighborhood
- Bring together families, children, adults, and elders
- Provide a means for entertainment, fitness, and outdoor activities
- Bring under served, diverse communities into mainstream society
- Bring about creative solutions and collaborative efforts through services and
programs
The advancement of healthcare in an
under-served community begins with an
emphasis on the importance of a health
conscious lifestyle. With the assistance
of the new Wayman Tisdale Community
Center and Specialized Care Facility, a
progression toward a more vibrant
North can begin.

This clinic, to be built at 36th street North and Hartford in Tulsa, Oklahoma will focus on specialty care as
well as provide a community center for he citizens of Tulsa North.
Our studio will aid in facilitating a first look at the relationships between community health, healthcare
design and the role a community health center can take to foster Healthy Environments.
Sustainable Urban

Modern Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute of Juanita
Perkins + Will
Dallas, TX
This project was a joint collaboration between the city of Dallas
Parks and Recreation Department and Baylor Healthcare Sothern
Sector Healthcare Initiative. It accomodates a diabetes clinic,
wellness center and recreation center, classrooms, offices, exam
rooms, and more.

XXX
Sustainable Urban

Community Center
Information Area
Art Display Feature
Lounge
Wheelchair Storage
Classrooms
Restrooms
Kids Space
Miltimedia Library
Indoor/Outdoor Café
Health Foods Market
Fitness Center
Total Sq. Ft: 7,600
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Dialysis
Treatment Area
Separation Room
Exam Room
Patient Restroom
Staff Restroom
Chemical Mixing Room
Water Treatment Room
Clean Supply
Soiled Holding
Equipment Repair
Medications/Nourishment
Housekeeping Closet
Cardiovascular Lab
Chemotherapy Center
Laboratory
Operations
Urgent Care
Outpatient Surgery
Total Sq. Ft: 37,850
Sustainable Urban

XXX
Rendered Floor Plans

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Final Board Images
Sustainable Urban

NEXUS Design Group
NEXUS:
1. A means of connectedness; tie; link
2. A connected series or group
3. The core or center, as of a matter or
situation
Site: After analyzing the site, land slope
seems to be the largest determinant of
the building design according to height.
Three stories will encompass the
required 50,000 sq. ft. Bubble diagrams
were used to begin deciding which
areas will need to go on specific floors.
Our group decided to keep the existing
building, however redesign the façade
to go along with the new three story
structure.
This week was used to research and analyze the site, as well as begin conceptualizing on what type of building we
saw for the future, and goals to achieve. We also chose a group name and logo, called NEXUS design group. It
stands for the center, or beginning of something. We want this theory to be carried out from this community
health center, so all goodness will spread through the community like a ripple effect occurring from a drop of
water. Our goals include; Improving the health of the community, foster interconnectedness in the community,
create an incentive for learning and improving, create a forum to express, hear, and to be heard, promote
volunteerism, and ease the effects of economic hardship.

NEXUS Design Group
Week 2 Process
This week we focused on completing the
floor plan, making the massing more
concrete, coming up with ideas for our bus
stop, and situating the building on the site
with vehicle and pedestrian circulation.
For our site we created a direct pathway
from the bus stop on the corner past the
entrance and connecting to the existing
sidewalk of the strip mall. Along those
routes be placed our farmer's market area
and an additional covered drop off area
from the parking lot. We developed the
split between in the clinic and the mall by
created a two-sided drive-trough and drop
off area for the pharmacy and Urgent
Care. We also played with ideas for green
roofs and a water retention pond.
For our site we created a direct pathway
from the bus stop on the corner past the
entrance and connecting to the existing
sidewalk of the strip mall. Along those
routes be placed our farmer's market area
and an additional covered drop off area
from the parking lot. We developed the
split between in the clinic and the mall by
created a two-sided drive-trough and drop
off area for the pharmacy and Urgent
Care.
We also played
with ideas for
green roofs and a
water retention
pond.
Our bus stop
imitates the
outside of our
building's main
facade in order to
create a strong
connection
between the two
Sustainable Urban

NEXUS Design Group
Week 3 Process
This Monday was our trip to HKS in Dallas for
our half-way critiques. It was nice to see a
professional firm, and have them comment on
our work.
Some of the things we heard in our critiques
that we needed to work on were:
- To continue to refine our site plan and floor
plans with special attention to the placement
of our elevators and the organization of
community spaces within our lobby area
- to more clearly demonstrate the connection
between our clinic and the surrounding area
and people
and to refine our structural grid.
We defined our grid to the point that it works
on all levels, and will begin to figure the
approximate sizes of the columns.
In order to make our structural grid correct, we needed to size
our plan back into a truly radial organization as it was originally.
This didn't change much with the inside space sizes or positions.
By trying to situate our elevators in different parts of the building,
it eliminated our central core. This allowed for us to experiment
with an atrium, which we decided to keep at the end of the week.
Having the atrium go through to the roof, we had to move our
upper floor rooms around. This is what we ended up with.
We will refine each floor a little more, adding our stacked
bathrooms in the space we determined.

XXX
Week 4 Process
In Week 4 our group focused on redefining
the floor plan to make sure it is all lined up
on the axes. Also we eliminated one of the
openings to the above, leaving us only with
the central atrium. That allowed us more
square footage on the send level and made
our central atrium a focal point. Our
Conference/Class Room moved towards the
back of the building. The public restrooms
are placed in the most convenient location.
For the next week, we will
begin to design the 8,000
square feet of the interior and
begin applying real materials,
glazing systems, and shading
devices to the exterior of our
building. We will also play
with the design of the bustop
and try to create a concrete
site plan with a park area.
NEXUS Design Group
Sustainable Urban

Week 5 Process
Our plans have further developed towards
presentation quality. The Women's Center
and classroom areas on the first floor have
now been detailed as well.
XXX
NEXUS Design Group
The First, Second, and Third floor plans are
now complete with color coding according to
HKS’s health care color standards. We have
also began taking into account the
mechanical systems and where they will be
located, as well as chase spaces.
The strip mall "facelift" is beginning to come
along digitally...

We chose our final materials for the exterior. We picked limestone,
brick, and metal panels to define our connecting modular spaces on
the outside. The back shows how the layers with the materials read
as separate blocks.
To the strip mall we decided to add a defined walk space that
would set the parking spaces farther back from the entries and
accentuate the covered walk area.
XXX
Week 6 Process
NEXUS Design Group
This week we focused on finalizing all of
necessary pieces of the clinic, site, and
interiors.
Adding our mechanical system spaces into
the building worked out nicely, because we
had the appropriate amount of space
allotted on the third floor already.
We started to apply materials to the inside
of the lobby.
Sustainable Urban

Week 7 Presentations!!!
XXX
NEXUS Design Group

Week 7 Presentations!!!
XXX
NEXUS Design Group
Sustainable Urban

Holistic Design Group
Our mission is to design a clinic
that encompasses a healthy way
of life through community and
function. Our concept for this
project is to design a space of
healing inspired by nature that
transforms and unifies the
community of Tulsa North.
We are made up of 2 architecture
students (Adam Edge and Meng
Hua Shih) and 2 interior design
students (Rachel Mosmeyer and
Beth Ann Rubin) from the
University of Oklahoma's College of
Architecture.

Our inspiration for the design of the
building and its interiors mainly
comes from clinics designed in
Scotland. These projects incorporated
a balance of healing through nature
and sustainable design. This inspired
our firm to design the Wayman
Tisdale Community Clinic with a
local mindset, the use local materials
and job opportunities for the
community will boost the local
economy. Other inspiration came
from a dentist office in Japan that
focused on clean, modern lines and
separation of space.
Sustainable Urban

One of our first goals after sitting down
as a team and talking about our design
was to create a space in which people
could feel comfortable spending a whole
day in. From there we worked towards
developing a building that would
respond to the needs of the patients
within. We developed separate
buildings to support the different
functions within. From there we tried to
create a space that would encourage
exploration and contribute to the
therapeutic and healing environment
that a hospital should support.

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Final Board Images
Sustainable Urban

The Model
XXX
Firm/group name

The first garden is the Zen garden that is located right outside the chemotherapy and dialysis treatment areas
to create a calm and healing environment
The middle garden is the living machine garden that will purify gray water (used water from sinks, toilets, etc.)
with plants without smelling. By the time the water reaches the end of the garden it is clean enough to drink,
but in this case will only be used for landscaping.
The third garden is the Family Garden that is located between the Outpatient and Urgent care wings for
families to wait for loved ones.
XXX
The Happy Spaces are a key element to
our design. They provide outdoor,
allergy-free places for people to enjoy
with the harsh Oklahoma weather ever
being a factor.
One of our main concerns with having all
this garden space being exposed in the
clinic was dealing with the allergy problem.
We researched plants that are hypo-
allergenic and made sure to use only those
plants so that everyone can have the
opportunity to enjoy our ‘Happy Spaces”.
Sustainable Urban

The exterior is a very bold
statement, but we feel that is
something that the community of
Tulsa North can be proud to call
their own. We wanted it to stand
out and be an icon of Tulsa,
something that people will be able
to see and identify the location. We
think that this bold statement that
we have created with be something
that will draw people from all over.
We wanted to building exterior to
reflect the various functions within
and create a strong boundary
between the public and private
interactions that would take place
within.
XXX

XXX
The first image is
looking into the
chemotherapy treatment
areas from the Zen
garden. We created a
space that would allow
patients to receive
treatment within the
garden if they chose so.
This image on the second row is a
typical exam room. Here we have
continued the nature theme within the
space to make it as inviting as
possible.
The last set of images are of our third
floor café. We wanted to create a
space that would attract people to
the clinic for other reasons then
medical treatment. We feel this café
is a perfect spot to wait for family
members or to just stop by and grab
a muffin.
The next two images
are of the main lobby center, Here
most of our circulation takes place
from wing to wing so we wanted to
create a space that would make
wayfinding simple. The center glass
elevators with Vitra branch art
installation surrounding it create
A focal point for all visitors.
The interior was a true
expression of merging nature
and the clinic. Here we
incorporated nature
everywhere we could, we
really wanted to emphasize
our mission of creating a
healing environment through
nature.
Sustainable Urban

A Design For A Community Health Center Preparing Design Students For The Challenges

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