Assistant Professor Honored with AIA-Oklahoma Citation Award

Assistant professor of Architecture Deborah Richards was recently honored with a 2019 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Oklahoma chapter “Citation Award.” Richards earned the award for the Health Center project located on 23rd Street in the uptown area of Oklahoma City.

About the project:

This recently revitalized street features new restaurants, commercial spaces and office space. The area is centrally located in Oklahoma City allowing for patient access by bus, bike or car. The heath center is an 11,000 sf gut renovation of a 1960s building and includes both health care spaces and business administration spaces. The welcoming and modern atmosphere in the health center waiting room is created by illuminating the ceiling with half domes, enveloping the space with curved surfaces, and using light colored wood finishes. This atmosphere is carried on throughout the health center with the use of bright colors, well lit spaces and light colored wood grained finishes. The atmosphere is important in providing a calming environment to patients and reflecting the high quality health care that the center offers. The space creates a sense of dignity for patients. The business administration space also creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests and hosts a collaborative environment for staff. The open office space and two conference rooms center around a break room that encourages conversation and collaboration.

Featured image: Bilyana Dimitrova