Challenge With the termination of their longstanding relationship with The Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital embarked on an ambitious expansion and replacement program that sought to restructure the institution as one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers while improving patient care and increasing their presence in the local and national medical community. Examining every aspect of their capabilities from inpatient and outpatient services to research, TMH leadership defined three significant new facility initiatives.
The first of these initiatives was the design and construction of a new consolidated, comprehensive Outpatient Center that would ultimately comprise 1.6 million SF, including 760,000 SF of clinical space and parking for 1,370 cars, on a site surrounded by existing buildings, bounded by two busy thoroughfares and bisected by the extension of a city street.
Solution
The WHR design team worked with the City of Houston to derive maximum utilization of the available property and minimize the impact of the new street. The team also worked closely with TMH leadership to define a vision for the facility that would enhance convenience and promote the patient experience within this very complex building.
Result
The design of the TMH Outpatient Center resulted in a 26-story building creating a new skyline landmark for The Texas Medical Center and The Methodist Hospital. The facility offers increased operational efficiency through planning flexibility provided by floor plates ranging from 70,000 SF to 40,000 SF, and convenient, segregated public and staff circulation within the facility and to the main campus. Internal planning focused on providing natural light to all public spaces, enhanced wayfinding and easy access for visitors with valet and patient drop-off areas as well as convenient circulation to and from parking and adjoining streets.
