A new 521,000 sf, 350-bed behavioral health hospital in Lakewood, Wash., a Tacoma suburb, will serve forensic patients who enter care through the criminal court system, freeing other areas of campus to serve civil patients. The facility at Western State Hospital, to be designed by HOK, will promote a holistic approach to rehabilitation as part of the state’s vision for transforming behavioral health.
The design will prioritize transparency, biophilia, and a holistic treatment approach, balancing safety and security for patients and providers. To incorporate nature’s healing power, the building will be seamlessly integrated with the topography of the 216-acre campus. Access to nature and daylight is intended to improve programmatic function. Elevated walkways floating above courtyards will connect building spaces and provide connections to nature as patients and staff move through the campus.
Sustainability and energy efficiency are also critical design considerations, with the goal of achieving net-zero energy and LEED gold certification. The hospital’s exterior materials will create a non-institutional appearance with the aim of destigmatizing mental healthcare. A modular lattice veil across the façade will create a woven look and balance the brick and painted steel facades of downtown and neighborhood buildings, creating a rhythmic pattern.
“Our design supports the healing, rehabilitation and care of forensic behavioral health patients in ways that challenge more traditional, institutional design solutions,” said Loren Supp, Principal in HOK’s Seattle studio and lead designer for the project. “The new hospital will serve as a model for cities across the country, highlighting the necessity of investing in progressive mental and behavioral health services, programs, and facilities to ensure the best long-term outcomes for vulnerable populations.”
The project is part of a master plan that includes several other facility improvements to the existing Western State Hospital campus.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2023, with completion anticipated by 2027.
Owner: WDSHS and DES
Design Architect: HOK
Architect of Record: HOK
Associate Architect: Architecture +
MEP Engineer: AEI
Structural Engineer: KPFF
General Contractor/Construction Manager: Clark Construction Group
Related Stories
| Feb 14, 2013
Peter Bardwell named 2013 president of the American College of Healthcare Architects
The Board of Regents of the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA) has named Peter L. Bardwell, FAIA, FACHA of Columbus, Ohio as 2013 national President.
| Feb 6, 2013
George W. Bush Presidential Center among award-winning roofing projects honored by Sika Sarnafil
Winners of the 2012 Contractor Project of the Year Competition were announced this week by Sika Sarnafil. The annual competition highlights excellence in roofing installation. Roofing contractors are judged based on project complexity, design uniqueness, craftsmanship, and creative problem solving.
| Feb 6, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: office buildings and medical offices
RSMeans' February 2013 Cost Comparison Report breaks down the average construction costs per square foot for four types of office buildings across 25 metro markets.
| Dec 9, 2012
AEC professionals cautiously optimistic about commercial construction in ’13
Most economists say the U.S. is slowly emerging from the Great Recession, a view that was confirmed to some extent by an exclusive survey of 498 BD+C subscribers whose views we sought on the commercial construction industry’s outlook on business prospects for 2013.
| Nov 11, 2012
Greenbuild 2012 Report: Healthcare
Green medical facilities extend beyond hospital walls
| Oct 24, 2012
Loma Linda University Medical Center lets light in with metal wall systems
Designers for the building aimed to create a positive environment for patients and visitors, and wanted to let in as much natural daylight as possible.
| Oct 11, 2012
Hank Adams Named to Lead HDR’s Healthcare Program
With more than 25 years of experience, HDR vice president is tapped to lead firm's healthcare projects.
| Oct 10, 2012
Skanska to Construct Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University Pavilion
Skanska USA announced that it has been awarded an $80 million contract to construct a new Children’s Pavilion at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
| Oct 2, 2012
Bernards working on project at L.A. White Memorial Medical Center
The new facility is a $15-million, 41,000-sf concrete structure which includes three stories of medical office space atop a three-level parking garage.
