MXC - Healthcare
View/ Open
Abstract
Students in this studio were asked to study the planning principles of a 1960’s “new town” that was proposed for west-central Minnesota, the Minnesota Experimental City(MXC). They were then asked to imagine a new or hybrid typology based on these principles, select a site as if the city had been built in the urban or rural settings that were proposed northwest of Alexandria, and design a building, circa 2011.
This project explores the future of healthcare design within the neighborhood just north of Lake Chippewa in Brandon, MN. This "North Chippewa Health Center" is a clinic design and priority based forming three main programs, which are-in order from approach/west to east-Day Clinic, Specialty Care and Physical Therapy Fitness Center. Guiding ideas that effect this design layout are heavily influenced from the MXC's location more specifically, design efficiency, community connectivity and outreach. At the exterior, this design works to take as much natural advantages possible, systematically and locally. At the interior, the program revolves around the future of healthcare and the idea that a Day Clinic will not call for as many staffed professionals, rather a space for guidance and self-diagnosis. The specialized care and physical therapy center are programs that will not fade in the future needs of healthcare and are essential to this neighborhood clinic design. This design solution for Minnesota's Experimental City healthcare delivery center for a future city emphasizes proper programming and resources, simplified space accessibility and community connectivity.
Keywords: future of healthcare, community, connectivity, outreach, design efficiency