Joseph
University of Florida Health (UF Health) joins a growing list of healthcare systems nationwide to bring leading-edge healthcare to shopping venues with UF Health The Oaks, a specialty clinic located on The Oaks Mall in Gainesville, Florida. Covering 139,000 square feet, the clinic houses three specialties – ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and audiology – in a large, formerly large retail space. The second phase of the project added a 25,000-square-foot outpatient surgical center to support ophthalmology and otolaryngology procedures. With the demand for ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology and audiology services steadily increasing, the decision to locate complete outpatient programs for all three practices in one central location aligns with UF Health’s strategic goal of making vital health resources accessible to members of the community. .
At the core of the nature of this adaptive reuse project were the many unique design challenges and opportunities that the design team exploited for the benefit of UF Health, patients, and staff. The transformation of the former mall anchor store resulted in a space unlike anything else in the Gainesville area. Its innovative design is planned to accommodate the natural flow of visits to promote a seamless and efficient experience for patients, visitors and staff. The clinic’s thoughtful, comfort-rich design includes patient-centric features such as tailored welcome and artwork; Natural daylight Unusually high ceilings allow for high-impact lighting features; and color-coded architectural features that create an intuitive way to help patients navigate more easily in space. It also honors the owner’s reputation and serves as a compelling recruitment and retention tool for the best medical talent.
Project Category: Reshape / Refurbish
operation manager: Brad Bullitt, Vice President of Facilities, UF Health
institution: Flad Architects, www.flad.com
design team: Flad Architects (medical programming, planning and complete architectural services); Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (construction manager); TLC Architectural Engineering (Engineer-MEP); Causseaux, Hewett, & Walpole Inc. (Civil Engineer, Site/Landscape); Mitchell Planning Associates (Medical Equipment Planner); Jenosky Consulting Inc. (architectural hardware)
Total Building Area (Square Feet): 164000
Construction cost / square meter. Foot: $213
Total construction cost (excluding land): $34.9 million
complete: June 2020
