David Wakely

Blighted Los Angeles hospital rebuilt after challenging history

New Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital rebranded with humane and welcoming design


Los Angeles' Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center was regarded as the worst in the city, according to an article on the Contract magazine website. Seven years and $280 million later, it was reborn as the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital (MLKCH).

“We needed to rebrand the institution, so we asked the architects to create a hospital that could just as easily be in Beverly Hills, and would match the best in the county,” said Andy Moey, capital projects program manager for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

With transparent facades and naturally lit public spaces, MLKCH is a model of humane and welcoming design, the article said. Bold signage, in both English and Spanish, assists in wayfinding, and natural light in corridors helps to reduce the institutional feel. 

Thermally efficient glazing and abundant natural light, recycled and renewable materials, highly efficient mechanical systems, and low-flow plumbing fixtures contribute to a high level of sustainability, according to the article. 

Read the article.

 

 



October 30, 2014


Topic Area: Architecture


Recent Posts

State of the Facilities Management Industry in 2025

Many facility managers cite budget constraints and the rise in operating concerns as their top concerns heading into the new year.


City of Hope to Open New Cancer Specialty Hospital in California

This 72-acre academic research campus offers patients access to the full continuum of advanced cancer care.


Montefiore Einstein Opening New Inpatient Center for Youth in the Bronx

New 21-bed inpatient pediatric mental health center adds critical care beds to address behavioral and mental health needs in the Bronx, nearly doubling inpatient capacity.


Skill Stacking: How Micro-Credentials Are Reshaping Trades

Micro-credentials can keep skilled trade workers up to speed with modern systems and complement longer, more formal training programs.


Prima Medicine Opens New Location in Tysons, Virginia

The Tysons location becomes Prima Medicine's fifth practice in the Washington metropolitan area.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.