Harlem Hospital

Location:

New York

Completion:

Project Type:

Healthcare Facility

Size:

260,000 Sqft

The Mural Pavilion at Harlem Hospital Center stands as a testament to the integration of art, community, and healthcare. Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem, this patient-centered hospital building not only serves as a beacon of medical excellence but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of its surroundings. Anchored by a historically significant mural, the Pavilion establishes a strong connection to the Harlem community, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for healing and wellness.

Background

The Mural Pavilion represents the culmination of a visionary project to modernize and revitalize the Harlem Hospital Center. Central to its design is the restoration and celebration of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) mural, depicting scenes from the African diaspora. Uncovered during the hospital's modernization, the mural serves as a symbol of cultural pride and resilience. Additionally, the Pavilion integrates a permanent art gallery showcasing murals commissioned by the WPA in the 1930s, further enriching the patient experience with artistic expression.

Objectives

Establish a strong connection to the Harlem community through art and cultural heritage.
Unify previously disconnected hospital facilities spread across multiple buildings and blocks.
Provide centralized and comprehensive healthcare services, including inpatient, emergency, and outpatient care.
Create a space for future expansion to accommodate the hospital's evolving needs.

Approach

The design approach for the Mural Pavilion focused on honoring the hospital's history while embracing modern healthcare practices. By prominently featuring the restored WPA mural on the building facade, the Pavilion pays homage to Harlem's cultural legacy.

Inside, a centralized layout brings together various healthcare services under one roof, fostering efficiency and convenience for patients and staff alike. The inclusion of an art gallery not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Pavilion but also promotes healing and well-being through artistic expression.

Solutions

Replication of colorful panels from the WPA mural on the high-performance curtain wall facade using ceramic ink printing technology.
Integration of a permanent art gallery showcasing historic WPA murals, accessible from the hospital's atrium.
Centralized design to unify previously disconnected hospital facilities and enhance operational efficiency.
Provision for future expansion with the addition of a sixth and seventh floor to accommodate evolving healthcare needs.

Results

The Mural Pavilion at Harlem Hospital Center has emerged as a landmark of cultural significance and medical excellence. By seamlessly blending art, community, and healthcare, the Pavilion celebrates Harlem's vibrant heritage while providing top-notch medical services to its residents. Its patient-centered design and innovative approach to integrating art into healthcare spaces have transformed the hospital experience, fostering healing, inclusion, and pride within the Harlem community.