Gresham Smith’s team used Lean process improvement to plan the space. The clinical areas use a “front-of-house, back-of-house” approach and standardized exam rooms can flex to enhance efficiency. The second and third floors have identical layouts, which creates future flexibility as services lines expand and contract based on demand.
Healthy environments are core to Cleveland Clinic’s brand and Gresham Smith considered health in terms of business, environment and wellness when making decision choices. A monumental stair at the entry encourages healthy movement, while all entry and waiting have direct access to daylight and views creating comfortable spaces that respect patient privacy.
To provide additional protection against hurricanes, the design team raised the building’s elevation. Portions of the building’s exterior use dynamic glass, which blocks glare and controls heat gain to drive energy savings, while tilt-up construction methods offered additional sustainability and resiliency benefits.