Residential treatment setting.

Clark Nexsen Architecture and Engineering NORFOLK, VA

Hancock Geriatric Treatment Center WILLIAMSBURG, VA

Evidence-based healthcare design was applied at Hancock Geriatric Treatment Center, a 150-bed psychiatric intermediate care facility. Two primary patient challenges addressed with this geriatric population are yellowing vision and memory recall. Colors were selected by looking through a yellow-tinted film to ensure the colors were pleasing. Recognizable elements for patients relate to familiarity of "home" and activities enjoyed in their formative years--downtown shopping, movies, and church.

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A central corridor connects the four patient wings. "Main street" was created to reflect the era through storefront shops with awnings and signage, a 35-foot movie marquee and interchangeable movie posters, barber/beauty shop with active barber pole, large-scale posters of interchangeable Virginia travel scenes, and chapel facade flanked with wall sconces and stone urns with evergreens and park bench centrally located under clerestory natural light.

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Patients enter living units through a familiar front door complete with wood millwork door header, resin panel sidelights, a classic urn with evergreens, and "house" number. The entry foyer provides a sense of home with artwork. A niche creates a "front porch" at the patient room. Contrasting color and a personalized shadow box assist the patient in locating his/her private room.

Patients have a circular hallway designed for wandering opportunities and exterior courtyards with seating and paved paths. Two team workstations have unobstructed views of these areas and dining/dayrooms.

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The lobby resembles a "boutique hotel," providing a comforting feeling to families with topiaries at the exterior drop-off point, soft seating, framed original artwork, and concierge-style desk.

Jury Comment: The "Main Street" concept is nice and I think it makes the feeling of the space more "experiential."

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Project category: New construction (completed March 2008)

Chief administrator: Martin S. Kline, Facility Administrator, [phone]

Firm: Clark Nexsen Architecture and Engineering, [phone]

Design team: John D. Keegan, PE, Vice President/Developer (Gilbane Development Co.); Garry Kiskinis, PE, Principal-in-Charge; David Keith, AIA, Design Architect; A. Ray Pentecost, DrPH, AIA, ACHA, Director of Healthcare Architecture/Programming; Denise McAdams, CID, IIDA, Interiors (Clark Nexsen Architecture and Engineering)

Photography: John Wadsworth

Total building area (sq. ft.): 115,700

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $253

Total construction cost (excluding land): $29,321,378