Project Overview
In the city of Orange sits the stunning University of California Irvine (UCI) Medical Center, Douglas Hospital. As UCI’s premier teaching hospital, this seven story, 411-bed facility serves all of Orange County and operates as the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center. As part of Orange County's only academic health system, the hospital provides unparalleled medical resources available at any time, day or night. The hospital is more important today than ever as it meets the needs of the county.
The hospital’s striking architectural design was a collaborative effort between the university architect and precast concrete producer Coreslab Structures (L.A.), with a meticulous focus on the development and color nuances of its precast concrete panels. These precast concrete panels required four separate mix designs and various finishes, showcasing a masterful blend of form and function. Multiple pours of different precast concrete elements to create a single panel reduced the total number of panels to erect onsite. The hospital’s beautiful varying finishes create a stunning representation of different treatments and looks. By incorporating multiple pours of different precast concrete elements within a single panel, the total number of panels needed for on-site installation was significantly reduced. The result is a visually dynamic façade that highlights an array of finishes, creating a stunning and sophisticated architectural statement. |