New Phoenix VA outpatient clinic is one of the largest veteran care facilities in the U.S.

The new Phoenix 32nd Street VA Clinic, spanning roughly 275,000 sf over 15 acres, is one of the largest veteran care facilities in the U.S. The facility will serve half a million patient visits a year and house multispecialty and telehealth clinics, an education center, pathology, and imaging services.

The five-story structure hosts one of the largest outpatient mental health clinics in the area, providing counseling and specialty mental health services. Floors three, four, and five feature an innovative planning approach for the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) module, which can accommodate 72 PACT teams that have access to 180 exam rooms. Efficiently laid out clinical space through the PACT module’s on- and off-stage model protects patient privacy, promotes intuitive wayfinding, allows providers to spend more time with patients, and minimizes staff and patient fatigue.

The building’s design incorporates extensive daylighting features such as lightwells in darker parts of the facility, panoramic views of the Arizona mountains, and access to green space and outdoor activities to create a relaxing environment for veterans and their families. Interior design features reflect Arizona’s vibrant colors and geological formations, such as deep fissures carved into the façades and roof that imitate the rugged terrain.

Due to the hot desert climate location, sustainability was a priority. VA Phoenix incorporates high-performance glazing and perforated, adjustable solar panels that reduce glare and heat from the Arizona sun while lowering energy costs. The design achieved Two Green Globes certification.

Amenities include a full kitchen and canteen for staff and patients on the first floor. Architects Hoefer Welker have designed more than 30 VA facilities to reflect veterans’ health needs, including common areas, easy navigation, and an overall focus on healing and hospitality, according to a news release.

“VA projects are very unique because they’re centered around a mission to give back to the veteran community, which has very specific healthcare needs,” said Hosam Habib, AIA, Hoefer Welker partner and director of design.

On the building team:
Owner and/or developer: U.S. Federal Properties (USFP)
Design architect: Hoefer Welker
MEP engineer: Smith & Boucher
Structural engineer: Bob D. Campbell & Co.
General contractor/construction manager: Jacobsen Construction

VA Phoenix ext 2 — Courtesy Hoefer Welker.

VA Phoenix int — Courtesy Hoefer Welker.

For most of human history, design has mostly considered “typical users” who are fully able-bodied without clinical or emotional disabilities. The problem with this approach is that it offers a limited perspective on how space can positively or negatively influence someone based on their physical, mental, and sensory abilities.

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