Lawrence-Douglas County Health Facility
Lawrence, Kans.
Gould Evans Affiliates

An Architecturally Welcoming Face for Public Health Patients

© Michael Spillers

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

By James S. Russell, AIA

An architecturally rewarding experience may not be a top priority if depression holds you in its clammy grip or if you dread the results of an HIV test. In most public-health venues, we take no comfort from the fluorescent glare, the battered drywall, and the plastic chairs scraping across vinyl tile. Things are different at the Lawrence-Douglas County Community Health Facility in Lawrence, Kansas. Those seeking treatment stroll past a bubbling fountain into an airy lobby under a sheltering canopy.

Since some mental health clients require separation or seek anonymity, a narrow canopy,
suspended by cables and a sheet-metal strut, signals a separate entrance for adults returning for treatment or counseling. Before entering, smokers may pause at a semicircular masonry bench built to accommodate them. A children’s entrance opens discreetly off the eastern side of the structure. Outside lies a small playground.

The Douglas County project does not try to fade into the cityscape, nor does it apologize for its function. Its handsome exterior detailing invites public use and inspection. Although the architects deployed the usual serviceable combination of dropped ceilings, drywall, and carpet in the interiors, there are also appealing touches—skylights here, an attractively creased ceiling there, handsome, pendant-mounted downlights in the meeting room—all of which staff members appreciate.

See the March 2001 issue of Architectural Record for full coverage of this project.

Formal name of building:
Lawrence-Douglas County Community Health Facility

Location:
Lawrence, Kans.

Gross square footage:
85,000 square feet

Total construction cost:
$11.8 million

Client:
City of Lawrence, Kansas

Architect:
Gould Evans Affiliates
706 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, Kansas 66044
www.geaf.com