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Community medical facility writes its story on the walls
The North Portland Clinic embraces its urban context, reaching out to the
population within this diverse neighborhood. Through massing, transparency
and integrated artwork, the clinic visually engages local residents and enhances
community identity. The interior is divided into three daylit clinical pods faced with
integrated murals viewed by patients and families within the clinic, as well as those
passing by. Created by a local artist, these prominent murals tell the story of the
community and its residents, expressing a commitment to the neighborhood and its
vibrant history.
The plan diagram breaks from the traditional, internally-focused clinic of nurse stations
surrounded by exam rooms, bereft of daylight or access to views. The open plan
reinforces the organizational diagram of the building, with a public zone along the
street edge, a busy clinical zone in the middle where staff and patients interact, and a
more private staff zone behind. The zoning of program areas and clarity of circulation
has allowed staff to greatly increase both patient volumes and successful outcomes.
Constructed on the site of an old gas station built in 1960, the clinic restores and
revitalizes an existing brownfield site. The clinic is located on a primary transit
corridor, served by light rail, public bus lines and bike lanes, enabling the reduction
of site parking capacity by 40%. Regionally manufactured products are incorporated
throughout, and low VOC emitting paints, coatings, carpet and adhesives were
selected in an effort to maximize indoor air quality. Occupants control the lighting
within their work areas, powered window blinds inside and sun screen louvers provide
solar control from western sun to reduce heat gain and glare.
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