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

Must Know Recalls of 2025

For the safety of our readers, Healthcare Facilities Today has closely followed all recall notices related to the industry.


Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals can balance costs, build resilience and learn from global models for sustainable design to further their green goals.


Comanche County Memorial Hospital and Southwestern Medical Center Join to Form Partnership

The partnership will go into effect by the end of December 2025.


Choosing a Disinfectant That Kills Biofilm

Bacteria form biofilms in pipes from which cells can be released during sink use and spread outside the drains in droplets or as aerosols.


Third-Party Data Breach Case Underscores Need for Cyber Risk Management

Plaintiffs alleged negligence in safeguarding patient data; defendants denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation costs.


 
 


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.