Just steps away from New York’s Penn Station, Montefiore Einstein’s Manhattan West medical center brings a modern, state-of-the-art healthcare facility to Midtown’s community. Leading full-service architecture, design, and planning firm FCA was tasked with bringing the project to life, ultimately developing an efficient, high-end ambulatory suite that meets clinical requirements and sets a new standard for luxury aesthetics in healthcare. Satisfying the level of design within an existing commercial plaza, the design team created a location that aligns with Manhattan West’s sophisticated community while further establishing Montefiore’s presence as an advanced care provider in the area.

The plaza-level lobby strategically facilitates movement from the first-floor entrance to the suite’s primary second-floor egress. Working within the constraints of minimal lobby space, FCA incorporated a glass vestibule at the entryway to minimize visual obstruction in the compact room and maximize visual continuity between the interior and exterior. A spiraled, LED-filled sculpture suspended across the lobby draws the eye upward, mirroring the flow of patients within the space. Further infusing a sense of hospitality into the entry experience, the design team implemented large-format porcelain tile to the walls along with terrazzo-style flooring, contributing to a contemporary, bright aesthetic.

In the middle of the lobby, an elevator enclosure serves as both a vertical connector and as a defining visual feature of the space. Outfitted with wooden fins stained in a natural finish and set against a grey felt backdrop, the elevator introduces warmth and volume while maximizing the use of vertical space created by the 17-foot ceiling. The elevator cab interior includes floor-to-ceiling specialty glass with a printed interlayer to create a playful, yet refined appearance.

Moving upward to the second-floor lobby, the elevator enclosure mimics the same wooden fins seen on the first level, offering a visual connection between the floors. Guests are greeted by a distinctive light color palette with textural wallcoverings and porcelain tile, contrasted against the warmth of wooden accents. This area builds holistically around the open design concept, fostering a greater sense of connection between patients and providers. Moving further into the clinic, large decorative pendants are placed throughout the high-ceiling corridor to break up the narrow hallway, while blue accents are used selectively throughout to create a calming atmosphere.

Each exam room incorporates two spatially-efficient entry points through sliding glazed barn doors, providing separate access for patients and staff while also allowing natural light to fill the space. Custom millwork desks and furniture allow providers to face patients, encouraging face-to-face communication while thoughtfully concealing medical equipment. With efficiency prioritized in all areas of the facility, advanced IT infrastructure is integrated throughout to further support Montefiore’s state-of-the-art care.

The completion of Montefiore Einstein’s Manhattan West medical center exemplifies FCA’s commitment to being a trusted project partner with a collaborative design approach. Adhering to a strict budget and short timeline, the design successfully balances high-end aesthetics with healthcare functionality to bolster Montefiore’s mission of providing advanced clinical care with exceptional service. The ambulatory suite integrates seamlessly into the neighboring community, demonstrating an efficient and thoughtfully executed approach to modern urban healthcare design.

Design: FCA
Photography: courtesy of FCA