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' 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.