The transformed historic Central Harlem Health Center creates a healthier community.
As part of the Mayor Bloomberg’s Design Excellence Program, SYA created a calm and reassuring clinic to encourage community use. Located in a landmarked 1930s McKim, Mead and White building, the $2.5M facility is wrapped by a combination of natural and high tech finishes with soft indirect lighting. An existing window wall clad in luminous sliding resin panels forms the backdrop for the reception and waiting area and provides a sense of orientation. The clinic is carefully planned for efficient patient and staff flow, easy navigation, and patient privacy. The entire project complies with the NYC DDC High Performance Guidelines through the use of sustainable materials and efficient systems. The high level of design and attention to light and materials, unusual for a public health clinic, is a source of community pride and has substantially increased its use by the community. (Stephen Yablon Architecture)