SmithGroup completed another thoughtful space for the Mountain Park Health Center, a clinic in Tempe, Arizona.

SmithGroup and Mountain Park Health Center (MPHC), a non-profit community health center, have created a trusted partnership over the last five years developing and renovating five locations in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Through these projects, the team developed a clinical module that aligns with MPHC’s integrated care model, allowing patients to be seen by a range of healthcare providers in one setting and one visit, ranging from their primary care physician to a pharmacist, behavioral health consultant and registered dietitian. Each clinic’s design is tailored to the diverse needs of the community it serves. In Tempe, the team transformed a former 30,000-square-foot boat dealership into a high functioning clinical space that balances efficiency with amenities that promote overall wellness.

Early collaboration and public engagement sessions with community leaders, the Tempe Police Department, and representatives from Arizona State University helped to shape the unique program for communal spaces and define the needs of the diverse population. Taking advantage of the large site, our designers included amenities such as a guided walking trail, activity nodes, children’s play area, a small fruit orchard and a tree nursery to provide healthy food, and an activity lawn, giving the community a place to come together even if not visiting the clinic.

The innovative clinical module is designed as an on-stage/off-stage model with a concourse, allowing for more communication and team interaction during care delivery. There are no private offices, but rather collaborative work rooms for each care team, with small pods for private phone calls or work. Targeting an increase in employee performance and engagement, the design team collaborated with staff to design a kitchen/lounge, patio and small social zones offering unique opportunities for respite. d

Inside the clinic, open spaces are defined by vibrant colors while bold graphics help to create a bright, safe environment, in addition to serving as a universal wayfinding device for a diverse population. A large ‘living room’ waiting area features digital check-in and flexible seating areas. Exam rooms with soundproof sliding glass doors are 30% larger than standard to accommodate families and care teams. As a result, the new clinic can accommodate more than 100 visitors at a time. Inclusive design is a top priority for MPHC, and the expansive waiting area is designed to naturally engage with the exterior. The space offers choice and comfort in a community environment promoting both interaction and security.

Architect: SmithGroup
Contractor: Concord General Contracting, Inc.
Photography: Kevin Korczyk