University of Minnesota Physicians, Smiley's Clinic
Minneapolis, MinnesotaSmiley's Clinic serves a large, diverse population, including non-English-speaking patients, families, college students and young professionals. Smiley's staff felt a simple method of wayfinding throughout the clinic was essential to best serve its clientele. HGA's design revolves around the function of three care teams grouped by color—green, orange and purple. Each nurses' station reflects one of these colors, and the exam rooms served by each station correspond to it. The reception desk is in a spacious open area, where sizeable windows and 24-foot ceilings bring in abundant natural light. The physician office area mirrors the openness of the reception area, with floor-to-ceiling glass panels to capture available light. Exam rooms are same-handed with identical layouts. Privacy curtains divide the rooms to accommodate the interpreters who often accompany patients. Large benches in the exam rooms-instead of standard chairs-allow multiple loved ones to accompany the patient within and outside of the patient-privacy curtains.