The Providence Alaska Medical Center introduced an elegant medical office suite to enhance its cardiothoracic services, offering patients a seamless journey from diagnosis to surgery. This 6,300 SF suite was conceived with a unique blend of hospitality and healthcare in mind, aiming for a “home away from home” ambiance. Central to the suite’s design is a captivating triptych painting by a local Alaskan artist using airplane paint. This artwork, with its warm tones and magical pigment, became a muse for the overall suite aesthetic, driving the hospitality-healthcare vision forward. Each design element — from wallcoverings, lighting, and furniture to local art installations — was selected to foster comfort, safety, and familiarity. An iconic Alaskan scene, the “Denali” mountain, graces the conference room doors, captured by a local photographer and meticulously transformed into a filmed etching.
More than just aesthetic, the design actively responded to the functional needs of the staff. Everyone, from receptionists to surgeons, contributed to shaping their workspace environment, ensuring that even the minute details resonated with their roles and preferences. For instance, the physician’s lounge and expansive offices were tailored to offer surgeons a respite and reflection space, mirroring the comfort of a private residence. These offices double as consultation rooms, fostering a close, comforting dialogue between doctors and patients. Navigating the dual challenge of crafting a residential ambiance while adhering to commercial building codes, this project epitomizes the harmonious collaboration between the client and designer, making it a benchmark in empathetic and holistic healthcare design.