Indiana University Health
INDIANA UNIVERSITY HEALTH
Cannon Design
ARCHITECTS
Cannon Design
DESIGN PRINCIPAL
Randolph, E. Guillot, AIA, LEED AP, Cannon Design
CONTRACTOR
F.A. Wilhelm Construction
CLIENT
Indiana University Health
MANUFACTURERS
Mecho Systems, Sherwin Williams, LG Electronics, Carlisle, Armstrong Flooring, Eggers Industries, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Forms + Surfaces, ALPOLIC, Wilsonart, Nailor Industries, Bega, Construction Specialties, Decoustics, W.R. Meadows Sealtight, Viracon, BASF, Johnsonite, Kawneer, Benjamin Moore + 5
PHOTOGRAPHS
James Steinkamp , Christopher Barrett
AREA
270000.0 m²
YEAR
2012
LOCATION
Indianapolis, United States
CATEGORY
Medical Facilities
Recognizing the need to consolidate its neurological services into a single facility, the Indiana University Health Neuroscience Center of Excellence combines the neuroscience resources of longtime partners Indiana University Health and Indiana University School of Medicine, resulting in an integrated approach for the most comprehensive and well-coordinated delivery of neurological patient care.
The Center provides easier, faster access to the best neuroscience experts, the latest in clinical breakthroughs, and the most advanced treatment options for neurological disorders—from Alzheimer’s disease and brain tumors to spine problems, seizures and stroke.
Designed to translate cutting-edge neuroscience research into the best, most advanced patient care, the six-level, 270,000 sf Indiana University Health, Neuroscience Center of Excellence takes inspiration from the bicameral organization of the human brain with the north side of the Center housing the more “rational” clinical and support functions; the south side, the more “emotional” functions of patient care; and the west side, the collaborative functions so vital to translational research.
Creating a community of buildings over time, the design consists of healthcare, parking, research and gardens.
Its six-level open atrium and sweeping roofline is one of three buildings in the downtown Indianapolis complex that seamlessly fits into a growing health and research campus.
Bent to resemble electroencephalograms, the north façade is adorned with architectural fins, broadcasting a striking presence to a nearby highway while providing privacy.
The west façade presents a sculptural form inspired by the shape of neurons.
Interiors also incorporate geometry, color, and imagery from neuroscience research, including patterns mimicking cellular forms, and blocks of color inspired by the vibrancy of PET and fMRI brain scans.
Color-tinted windows arranged in a visually engaging pattern at the ground floor, create an inviting pedestrian-level presence.
To convey openness and connectivity, a large portion of the building is glass, with public and circulation spaces on the perimeter of the building with exam and procedure rooms at the center.
To ensure a balanced high-performance strategy, a combination of low-emissivity coatings, frit patterns and exterior shading in varying orientations were employed.
In addition to a physical environment that is genuinely comforting to both patients and staff, the building employs a layout and infrastructure that is flexible and modularly designed to maximize adaptability to rapidly evolving technologies and research initiatives.
Physicians and staff have outstanding access to natural light, collaborative spaces, and patients.
The high level of patient-to-researcher connectivity supports and encourages professional collaboration and showcases the commitment of the institution to patient care and research.
The on-site connected 900-car parking structure further contributes to patient satisfaction and comfort.
LEED GOLD CERTIFICATION
Located immediately adjacent to an expressway, but away from the campus, the site maximizes the building’s visibility from roadways and creates well-scaled spaces for people.
A U-shaped entry court filled with native plantings and bioswales was created to filter rainwater as well as pathways and places of respite.
