EMMA J. LI
ARCHITECT, AIA, LEED GA, WELL AP
RIC Health Care Center
A Real Practice on Health Care
To make this special health care research institution runs conveniently and efficiently, there are several strategies to be considered: function utility, aesthetic value, meronic value, preservation of design value, investment value, constructability and social responsiveness. It means this project need to enhance the rehabilitation and healing process; to facilitate advancement of research, education and clinical care; and to enhance the RIC's image as a world-class rehabilitation and research center. Construction wise, design team need to miximize constructability and efficient building, and to create maintainable and adaptable space for the life-cycle of the building. This place also need to manage resources responsibly and enriches the human spirits.
This project is a Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) Research Hospital. The project is located in the Streeterville neighborhood adjacent to the Northwestern medical campus. The program includes inpatient and outpatient services, medical offices, and public areas for patient families and friends. Retail space and a hotel for future expansion have been added to create a mixed-use building that provides a better experience for visitors. Inpatient services are divided into seven "neighborhoods" each focused on a particular discipline. Collaboration between these disciplines is essential to unifying the research component of the building. The primary architectural goal of the project is to generate an integrative design that combines the architectural, structural, and mechanical systems into one unit. In conjunction with this is the goal to create the best possible experience for building visitors whether they be patients, family, or RIC employees. The RIC mission is to provide the highest-quality patient care through integrated research, scientific discovery, and education for the purpose of maximizing the recovery of the individuals in their care. With integration at its core, this project works to produce a seamless medical research facility that will be a significant asset to the city.
The building's systems are also important. These systems including structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and more. Other than structural system, few most important ones are mechanical and plumbing since they takes most of volume and domain many building factors like floor to floor height.
The building uses LED screen as ceiling light source at the entrance. Three types of glass are used: ceramic printed glass to prevent bird strike, lighter blue low-E coating glass in contrast of a darker blue glass.
