Kaiser Permanente Santa Monica’s Design Is Indicative of the Growing Market

Kaiser Permanente’s Santa Monica Medical Office Building (Santa Monica, Calif.) is a seven-provider facility that features the “NextGeneration” (NextGen) design. This is Kaiser Permanente’s first clinic to open in Santa Monica and is indicative of the growing healthcare market.

This clinic was identified to meet the needs of city residents and the community, giving them access to convenient high-quality primary care, specialty care, pediatric and telemedicine services. The members of the design team worked closely with leadership to incorporate the NextGen design concepts of active waiting and daylight-filled clinics combined with an environment that appeals to families with children, tech-savvy millennials, and seniors with limited mobility.

The new clinic represents Kaiser Permanente’s efforts in changing the way members experience care when they come into a facility, while also engaging the local pride of the Santa Monica community. The city’s iconic Palisades Park-inspired design elements are featured throughout the welcome entry and open “public square” waiting area. The entry also includes a living plant wall which provides a connection to the outdoors with a relaxing, meditative experience.

The finishes emulate the aesthetics of park pathways and open grassy areas, while the green wall and reclaimed wood bring additional warmth. To provide an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of the park, a custom 3-D soundscape was incorporated with the sounds of the Palisades and an interactive LED represents movement and activity.

Project Category: Remodel/renovation

Chief Administrator: Georgina Garcia, senior vice president – area manager, Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles

Firm: Cuningham Group Architecture Inc., www.cuningham.com

Design Team: Lee Brennan, AIA, principal-in-charge; Daniel Young, AIA, project architect; Ashley Maxwell, senior interior designer; Denise Luna, interior designer; Nancy Chiang, specifications

Total Building Area (Sq. Ft.): 9,500

Sources:

Cuningham Group Architecture Inc. (Culver City, Calif.)

“Kaiser Permanente Santa Monica Medical Office Building.” HCD Magazine, 20 July 2018, www.healthcaredesignmagazine.com/projects/kaiser-permanente-santa-monica-medical-office-building/.