Feb 17 2011
AHAdams&Company, a Willow Grove, Pennsylvania based architectural firm, has designed a LEED healthcare project, a 2,000 square foot PET/CT scan suite just opened in January, 2011.
LEED is an internationally recognized green building rating system, certified by the United States Green Building Council. The client, MCAMI, is a joint venture between Abington Health and Fort Washington Radiological Associates.
Advanced PET/CT Scan Suite at Abington Health Center - Schilling Campus, a LEED healthcare project designed by AHAdams & Company.
"We want our new suite to be a tangible example to patients of the care they will receive. We want to convey a feeling of state-of-the-art medicine, in a humane, affirming, uplifting environment," states Dr. Paul O'Moore, CEO of Montgomery County Advanced Medical Imaging. "We are proud to have the opportunity to help both Abington Health and MCAMI go green with a project of lasting value to the community," notes Arthur Hall Adams/ARCHITECT/AIA, the LEED professional on the project, and Principal Architect with AHAdams&Company.
The new PET/CT Scan Suite will be sited in Abington Health's Schilling campus in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. PET/CT is "state-of-the-art" diagnostic imaging technology; Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computerized Tomography (CT) are tools that allow physicians to pinpoint the location of cancer.
From the start, the client wanted to create a relaxing atmosphere for patients who may potentially have cancer. AHAdams&Company introduced the goals of environmentally responsible design and construction practices, which were fully embraced by MCAMI.
There were many architectural challenges, including the small size of the existing suite, the functional program and spatial requirements of the scan equipment, along with the engineering requirements for the PET/CT scanner. The design of the PET/CT suite optimizes natural lighting by placing highly occupied spaces against existing windows. Natural light is introduced in the PET/CT Scan room and main corridor by a new "window wall" to allow full daylighting into patient areas. All the interior finishes have been selected by AHAdams&Company to be environmentally compatible, creating a calming atmosphere for patients.
In working with Phillips, manufacturer of the PET/CT, AHAdams&Company accommodated unique electrical, structural, and acoustical needs of the equipment while maintaining the design intent of the space.
Source: http://www.ahadamsco.com/