Healthcare Design - December 2015 - 57

EMERGENCY/URGENT CARE - REMODEL/RENOVATION

Golden Gate Urgent Care Clinics SAN FRANCISCO
Submitted by: SmithGroupJJR SAN FRANCISCO
Cost/sq. ft.: $230

RICHARD KIRR, SMITHGROUPJJR (BEFORE); SHARON RISEDORPH (AFTER)

Design team: SmithGroupJJR
(architecture and interior
design)-Joyce Polhamus,
principal-in-charge; Diana Kissil,
interior designer; Gabriel Fonseca,
project manager; Richard Kirr,
project architect; Jackie Lee,
technical support; Alex Campomanes, technical support
The Golden Gate Urgent Care
Clinics was founded in late 2011.
The business plan was to locate the
clinics in high-traffic areas but small
commercial districts throughout the
city of San Francisco. Services offered
at the clinics include adult injury
and illness urgent care, pediatric
care, as well as routine care such as
vaccinations and physicals, and more
advanced technology including EKGs,
digital X-rays, and an on-site lab.
The current urgent care clinics
vary in size and are designed to not
only convey a robust image of the
brand, but also to mirror some of the
culture and whimsy of the neighborhoods they serve. The design goal
was to develop an interior design that
was strong, unique, and memorable.
It had to reflect the message that this
was a different kind of healthcare
provider. It had to be simple to build
out, inexpensive, and adaptable to a
variety of spaces. A strong street presence was also a must.
The design solution relies strongly
on color. The keynote color is inspired
by the Golden Gate Bridge, and
typically occurs on a curved, accent
lit wall-known as the clinics' "signature wall." Supporting colors were
inspired by the ocean and the sun.
The envelope and most surfaces are
white, providing a clean and simple
backdrop to the colors. The inclusion
of embossed stainless steel at the reception desks adds sparkle and a hint
of the advanced technology within
the clinic proper.
Planning was done to maximize
the penetration of sunlight into the
space. Primary lighting in the clinical
spaces is indirect. Accent lighting

BEFORE

occurs in the lobby at the reception
desk-providing the staff with an
abundant yet comfortable level of
lighting-and at the signature wall,
bringing a calming light to those
waiting for care. The combination of
these carefully thought-out features
results in a warm, comfortable space
for patients and staff.
Furniture selection is modern and
highly functional. A unique element
occurs in the waiting room, where
an armless banquette embraces the
signature orange wall. The combination of these two elements is a major
branding element. Additional seating
is located in discreet groupings about
the lobby.
The clinics have been welcome
additions to the respective neighborhoods and additional locations are
being planned. The original design
elements have been successfully
adapted to each clinic, resulting in a
consistent, highly recognizable brand.
The client has received positive reviews about the design from patients.
Among the most frequent comments
is that the clinics are clean and visually unlike any other medical facility.

BEFORE

Jury comments:
* Interior is clean, modern, and wellorganized spatially.
* Intent to have "strong street
presence" was accomplished and
the contemporary, clean design has
more of a retail feel versus a sterile
hospital entrance.
* Great signage, clean lines, nice flow,
and great reuse of existing space.

Healthcare Design * special supplement

57
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