Gensler designed a thoughtful and colorful space for the Community of Hope Family Health and Birth Center in Washington DC.

Aiming to fight healthcare inequalities within the Nation’s Capital, Community of Hope engaged Gensler to develop a building expansion of their Family Health and Birth Center that would support the needs of the local community.

Located in northeast DC, Community of Hope provides quality healthcare services to under-served and underrepresented communities. With a mission to improve health outcomes and support the needs of individuals and families, Community of Hope worked with Gensler to utilize an existing building shell and, through sustainable design practices, develop a new Family Health and Birth Center facility that would embrace, support, and celebrate the local community.

With an emphasis on expecting mothers and their babies, this innovative facility provides an array of services for families. Working within a tight program-to-footprint ratio, the space accommodates a fully equipped birthing center, 15 exam rooms, behavioral health services, tele-health services, pharmacy access, conferencing spaces, a large multipurpose space, labs with associated support, and an entire third floor workspace for staff and providers. Utilizing every square foot of the building, Gensler worked diligently to provide efficient and well executed space planning. The overall space was custom-made to deliver the best patient care experience possible.

As the District’s only nationally accredited Birth Center this unique project also leaned heavily on the personal influences of community members. Inspired by these individuals, Gensler developed project-based solutions that catered to the custom needs of the user. From materiality to the equipment needed to provide the best care, the interior was designed to embrace and celebrate natural birth while providing a space that felt comfortable and approachable.

Design: Gensler
Photography: Halkin Mason Photography