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Architects: CannonDesign
- Area: 270000 m²
- Year: 2012
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Photographs:James Steinkamp , Christopher Barrett
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Manufacturers: ALPOLIC, Decoustics, Bega, Sherwin-Williams, American Biltrite, Armstrong Flooring, Atlas Schindler, BASF, Benjamin Moore, Carlisle SynTec, Construction Specialties, Eggers Industries, Forms + Surfaces, Indiana Limestone, Johnsonite, Kawneer, Kimball Office, LG Electronics, Mecho Systems, Nailor Industries, +5
Recognizing the need to consolidate its neurological services into a single facility, the Indiana University Health Neuroscience Center of Excellence combines the neuroscience resources of longtime partners Indiana University Health and Indiana University School of Medicine, resulting in an integrated approach for the most comprehensive and well-coordinated delivery of neurological patient care. The Center provides easier, faster access to the best neuroscience experts, the latest in clinical breakthroughs, and the most advanced treatment options for neurological disorders—from Alzheimer’s disease and brain tumors to spine problems, seizures and stroke.
Designed to translate cutting-edge neuroscience research into the best, most advanced patient care, the six-level, 270,000 sf Indiana University Health, Neuroscience Center of Excellence takes inspiration from the bicameral organization of the human brain with the north side of the Center housing the more “rational” clinical and support functions; the south side, the more “emotional” functions of patient care; and the west side, the collaborative functions so vital to translational research. Creating a community of buildings over time, the design consists of healthcare, parking, research and gardens. Its six-level open atrium and sweeping roofline is one of three buildings in the downtown Indianapolis complex that seamlessly fits into a growing health and research campus.
Bent to resemble electroencephalograms, the north façade is adorned with architectural fins, broadcasting a striking presence to a nearby highway while providing privacy. The west façade presents a sculptural form inspired by the shape of neurons. Interiors also incorporate geometry, color, and imagery from neuroscience research, including patterns mimicking cellular forms, and blocks of color inspired by the vibrancy of PET and fMRI brain scans. Color-tinted windows arranged in a visually engaging pattern at the ground floor, create an inviting pedestrian-level presence.
To convey openness and connectivity, a large portion of the building is glass, with public and circulation spaces on the perimeter of the building with exam and procedure rooms at the center. To ensure a balanced high-performance strategy, a combination of low-emissivity coatings, frit patterns and exterior shading in varying orientations were employed.
In addition to a physical environment that is genuinely comforting to both patients and staff, the building employs a layout and infrastructure that is flexible and modularly designed to maximize adaptability to rapidly evolving technologies and research initiatives. Physicians and staff have outstanding access to natural light, collaborative spaces, and patients. The high level of patient-to-researcher connectivity supports and encourages professional collaboration and showcases the commitment of the institution to patient care and research. The on-site connected 900-car parking structure further contributes to patient satisfaction and comfort.
LEED GOLD CERTIFICATION - Located immediately adjacent to an expressway, but away from the campus, the site maximizes the building’s visibility from roadways and creates well-scaled spaces for people. A U-shaped entry court filled with native plantings and bioswales was created to filter rainwater as well as pathways and places of respite.
The sustainable design strategy includes abundant daylighting—also contributing to a healing environment. Low-temperature air distribution—enabling smaller equipment and ductwork and reducing fan speed while increasing usable space—creates a more adaptable and energy efficient environment.
In addition, chilled-water distribution pumps were carefully sized to minimize pump energy consumption. Reducing lighting power density was a key focus from the building interior to the parking garage—which uses 66% less electricity than a typical garage of the same size and type. These measures and others reduced energy cost 20.85% below ASHRAE baseline and helped achieve its LEED Gold certification.
