Medical office design strives for patient privacy, peaceful setting

PHOTO BY BRIAN VANDEN BRINK

Facility: St. Joseph Healthcare

Location: Bangor, Maine

Architecture and interiors: MorrisSwitzer Environments for Health

St. Joseph Internal Medicine’s new medical office is a patient-centered medical home that features ample natural light and focuses on peaceful, nature-inspired interiors. The design creates a spalike atmosphere for patients, while supporting the functional needs of staff.

The lobby is topped by a vast skylight, which visually draws in the elements and creates a dynamic backdrop with the changing New England seasons.

Patient comfort and privacy were an important design objective, and were achieved with strategically placed art glass and wooden trellises that visually break up the lobby. The trellises provide privacy at check-in and also create seating zones.

Areas of contemplation were created to support the mental and spiritual needs of patients, furthering St. Joseph’s mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care.