Earlier this month, on November 6, Alexandria Real Estate held its Steel Topping-Off Ceremony for 75-125 Binney Street in Cambridge. The design team enjoyed celebrating the occasion with the varied group of professionals they work with daily on site at the co-location office. The owners, contractor (Gilbane), design consultants, engineers, sub-contractors and construction crew all had a chance to sign the beam before it was hoisted into place at the final height of the structure. Following tradition, the signed beam was lifted into place with an evergreen tree and American flag on top.
While this milestone was celebrated conventionally, it differed from most Topping-Off ceremonies because of the close collaboration and communication co-location has enabled between the different trades, sub-contractors, consultants, owners and architects. Co-location is a team-effort and the event was a great way to recognize the unique integrated design approach embraced by all parties involved in the project. While the beam will soon be covered up as construction continues, the design team will be able to continue observing the progress simply by looking out the window to the site across the street as they complete construction documents and oversee construction.
Visiting or staying in a hospital can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. From finding parking to navigating the entrance, uncertainty is everywhere. As architects, we have the power to create spaces that promote healing and reduce anxiety.
At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, we designed with wayfinding, clarity of spaces, and embedded nature at the forefront. Read our insights on designing for patient comfort and wellness on our blog (link in bio.)
#designalways #patientexperience #healthcarearchitecture