Duda|Paine Architects was tasked with creating a space for the intersection of multiple wellness fields at the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park, Florida.

The Center for Health & Wellbeing is the manifestation of Winter Park’s vision to bring the three realms of well-being—fitness, medical care and wellness—into one integrated center for holistic preventative care. This state-of-the-art, landmark project serves as the cornerstone for community health by empowering individuals to achieve vitality and fitness. It houses an innovative combination of programs for fitness, clinical care, and wellness along with facilities for community classes and resources.

By merging the three disciplines of wellness, fitness and medicine, the Center for Health & Wellbeing blurs the boundaries and creates overlap between medical science and alternative practices. The whole-person, health-focused mission is enveloped in community outreach and creating space for all to enjoy.

The architecture for this new health model draws inspiration from the inherent healing power of nature. The design relies on the essential notion that the new facility is more than a building—it is a complete, holistic experience.

Garden spaces create outdoor rooms and spaces that reinforce interior programs. They provide choices to visitors whether they’re feeling active or need a spot for respite. Garden walls in varying heights reflect the postures of sitting, standing and reaching to emerge from the site and establish the building’s basic geometry, enclosing the clinical, fitness, culinary and conference spaces within.

Multipurpose and meeting space promote cross-disciplinary thinking and sharing. Spaces for functions at scales ranging from rooms for 8 to 200 have been provided and can grow to over 1000 via moveable partitions around the Commons. This flexibility allows for a variety of functions including ones yet to be anticipated.

The number 7 occurs frequently in the natural world and recurs across the Center for Health & Wellbeing’s design—there are seven days in the week, notes on the musical scale, directions (left, right, up, down, forward, back and center), continents, oceans, colors in a rainbow, and even wonders of the world. The Center hosts seven Dimensions of Wellbeing: Physical, Intellectual, Environmental, Vocational, Social, Emotional and Spiritual.

With over 11,000 sf of medical offices and clinical space, health care professionals and specialists provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for wellness and medical consultation. Other features include Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen, providing healthy cuisine for the entire neighborhood with indoor and outdoor seating, and a demonstration kitchen to instruct home chefs on cooking healthy. Flexible community meeting and conference space will host health and wellbeing seminars, as well as receptions for over 300 attendees.

Architect: Duda|Paine Architects
Photography: Robert Benson