Entry number: B06005
Project Name: Center for Maternal Fetal Medicine
Building Type: Medical Office with Retail Space
Completion Date: January 2006
Architect: Carpenter Sellers Architects

Design Approach/Narrative: This new 2-story office and retail building is located in a matured neighborhood that was established during the 50’s and in a newly zoned Medical District in the Las Vegas. The main goal of the project was to create an environment that was very accessible and comfortable for expecting mothers to visit. Of course, the project had its constraints. Metaphorically and literally speaking, the program was a dense square shape fitting in a narrow rectangular site. In addition, the commercial building’s utility demands needed to adapt within an older residential infrastructure.

During the design, Dr. Iriye was engaged to help understand the entire experience of the expecting mother from her initial site arrival to her last contact with the doctor. Site circulation of vehicles, drop off zones, pedestrian travel, patient and clinical staff circulation, seating, way finding, communication, accessibility and overall comfort were the main priorities for the patients that gave form to the building. Once on site by vehicle, patients have the opportunity to be dropped off under the buildings cover or be able to circle around an island until selection has been made, as opposed to most stairs and elevator from the parking lot by a small promenade that has been defined by trees, site lighting, enhanced paving and the east façade’s polite skewing for pedestrians. The contemporary architecture was inspired by the symbiotic relationships between mother, father and child along with using natural materials that have a warm and comfortable quality. Stone, copper, and wood were used on the exterior for their rich patina and ease of maintenance as they weather over time. The copper wrap embraces the building providing opportunities for natural day lighting and sheltered outdoor use. Warm wood ceilings wrap the inside of the copper clad form extending from the outside deck into the lobby. The aluminum stair screen cradles the stair and stone clad elevator core creating a sense of security, warmth and play of light.

Material in ASL Library: Form Core Boards, Project Description Form, Exteriors Photos, Location Map, Site Plan, Floor Plan, and Interior Photos