PDC Midwest, Inc. Hires New Design Associate
Hartland, WI – Today PDC Midwest, Inc. announced its recent hire of Michael S. Fortuna, Assoc. AIA, LEED GA as a new Design Associate.
Michael will be responsible for the pre-planning analysis for future projects identifying critical development components prior to project kick-offs.
Michael previously operated a design firm where he worked on a variety of residential and small commercial building projects. His emphasis on Green Architecture and Sustainable Design garnered him as a reputable consultant. He has taught professional courses in Architecture and Construction Management.
Planning in Health Care Facilities - Five Planning Dynamics to Consider
When planning a new health care facility, in today’s changing health care environment, there are five dynamic factors that can potentially make or break a project. In the ‘new normal’, created by the current reform and economy, Providers are expected to deliver and provide greater patient quality outcomes for less financial reimbursement. This creates major challenges for Providers; however well executed planning can mitigate these challenges. Proper planning, executed at the earliest stages of facility consideration, will provide the least expensive solutions while offering the most profound impact on facility development.
Return to the Time Honored Design/Build Approach
When the citizens of classical Greece envisioned their great temples, public buildings and civil works, Master Builders were engaged to both design and construct these monumental structures. Master Builders accepted full responsibility for integrating conceptual designs with functional performance. To assume anything less than complete accountability for delivering a project was unthinkable. Enduring structures such as the Parthenon and the Theatre of Dionysus are testimony to an age and a process that are greatly admired, though the process has been virtually abandoned by modern designers and constructors. Today, however, there is a resurgence of the master builder’s approach in project delivery that centers responsibility with one entity and offers Owner’s better control of design content and corresponding cost.
Sensory Design 5 – Unlocking a Memory
SD5©, or Sensory Design 5, is a user-focused, design philosophy meant to stimulate and engage all five senses; sight, smell, sound, taste and touch, specifically within the health and senior care markets. By integrating SD5 throughout a senior care campus or other health care solution facility the user’s senses are stimulated which creates an understanding of the environment around them. Depending upon previous perceptions of certain stimuli, mental representations are formed providing the user with an extraordinary opportunity of unlocking or enhancing a memory. From the core of the building to the landscape surround, the proper application of SD5 has the ability to enrich the environment giving the user an enhanced sensory experience while creating emotional pleasure.
The components that make up a Memory Care or Senior Care Campus which offer the opportunity of infusing the SD5 design philosophy include a vestibule, living room, a resident café, resident gallery, covered garden, community club room, a country kitchen, spa, discovery courtyard, and backyard courtyard.
The Resident Café, where resident involvement and family participation are encouraged, is one of the most significant spaces that have the potential to unlock or enhance a memory weather it’s baking cookies with your daughter or preparing and smelling a special meal the resident use to prepare for their own family. The Living Room offers back ground music of varying musical style and form inviting the resident to indulge in an enjoyable recollection of past events. Further SD5 components can be applied in the Multifunctional Club Room. These rooms provide space for not only new activity experiences, but to aid in the recall of past experiences or previous hobbies. The Discovery Courtyard can enliven the senses as well and offers residents the opportunity to plant and enjoy sensory gardens. Often times plants and other design elements are selected with intentions of providing a fragrance garden while others may focus on several senses.
There are hundreds of elements to take into consideration when designing a comfortable and effective senior living community or other health care solution facility. To speak with an SD5 expert, please contact Nancy Mooney, Allied ASID at nmooney@pdcmidwest.com or Amy Schoenemann, AIA at aschoenemann@pdcmidwest.com.
PDC Midwest, Inc. Hires New Construction Manager
PDC Midwest, Inc. announced that Thomas W. Abel has joined the firm as construction manager. Tom will be responsible for on site management of construction projects throughout the United States.
PDC Midwest, Inc. Hires New Interior Design Associate
PDC Midwest, Inc. announced today that Lana L. Bates has joined the firm as Interior Design Associate. Lana will be responsible for assisting the interior design department and will work directly with the firm’s Senior Interior Designer, Nancy Mooney.
PDC Midwest, Inc. Hires New Assistant Project Manager
PDC Midwest, Inc. announced today that Robert J Olin has joined the firm as Assistant Project Manager. Bob will work with the construction team and will report directly to the VP of Construction, Dennis Spindler.
Alpha Med Enterprises Expansion
Tinley Park, IL – Alpha Med Enterprises completed a new 55,000 outpatient cancer treatment facility in 2011. Six months after the facility opened Alpha Med experienced exceptional demand for their outpatient cancer treatment services and determined expansion was needed for additional patient services. PDC had completed the design and construction for the original medical office building and was contracted to complete the new addition.
PDC Midwest, Inc. Hires New Design Associate
Hartland, WI – Today PDC Midwest, Inc. announced its recent hire of Scott Hatton as a Design Associate.
Scott will be responsible for coordination between the designer and construction through CAD drafting, 3D renderings and construction documents. He will report directly to VP of Architecture, Peter Johntson.
