New Construction Awards 2003: Genesis Heart Institute, Davenport, IA

Genesis Heart Institute, Davenport, IA, is home to a unique collaboration between a hospital (Genesis Medical Center) and one of its major physician groups (Cardiovascular Medicine PC) to provide their shared patients with a convenient, life-affirming facility focused on overcoming heart disease. The 80,000-square-foot building houses 20 physician and medical provider offices; a 9,000-square-foot rehabilitation area; a 174-seat auditorium and associated meeting spaces and food service space for public, professional, and community programs; 15,000 square feet for cardio-diagnostics, including nuclear imaging, stress testing, and ECG monitoring; and a separate pediatric cardiology suite. Notes Steve Fish, administrative director of Cardiac Services for Genesis Medical Center, “Placing our cardiac program in a building of this caliber right next to the hospital makes an important statement to our community … It says this program is permanent and we are committed to beating [heart] disease.”

Of particular note:

• A striking lobby, with glass on one side and exterior brick on the opposite wall, creates a dramatic but peaceful space that acts as a transition between the outdoors and treatment areas. Three 17-foot-tall sculptural glass light fixtures fill the lobby with a rainbow of soft colors and warm light when illuminated.
• A 9,000-square-foot cardiac rehabilitation gym on the first floor is sunny and cheerful, thanks to a full wall of south-facing windows. Bold colors and shapes have been employed to create an uplifting, invigorating space – a design intended to motivate patients who may spend many hours here as they regain their health.
• The building’s simple rectangular shape is enhanced by a gently curving glass curtainwall. The plane of white links the new Heart Institute to the rest of the campus, and works as a visual landmark for patients.