The scope of work includes renovating the entire 7th floor Clinical Space (approximately 13,825 GSF), used by the College for patient exams, research and optical retail. The project is a complete redesign of the floor serving as the main clinical teaching space and open to the public as an eye care center with an eyewear retail space.
Exam and teaching rooms are organized into 3 “pods” of 8 exam rooms around a central faculty room to streamline both the teaching and health-care aspect of services provided by the college. Materiality, color, and texture differentiate the “pods” and present a wayfinding system for patients and students. The use of transparent partitions allows for visibility and connectivity throughout the space.
To better accommodate patient flow, the waiting room is broken up into 2 separate spaces; one which serves as reception and check-in and a second, located centrally in plan, is for patients waiting for an exam room. This cuts down on travel time, crowding, and streamlines circulation.
Size
13,825 GSF
Client
SUNY College of Optometry
SUCF
Completion Date
Spring 2025
Services Provided
Full Architectural Services, Programming, Feasibility Study
Adjacent to the lobby, the 800 sf glass-enclosed eyewear retail space opens up the center of the plan. Consisting of displays, fitting tables, and adjustment workrooms the space faces the waiting area, encouraging entry and browsing. Curved walls and recesses provide relief to the corridors.
Offices, testing rooms, bathrooms, and circulation are designed to facilitate newer equipment and ease accessibility for users, many whom have low-vision or may use walkers or wheelchairs.
A custom quartzite and solid-surface reception desk sits between painted circular columns, with views to the entrance elevators and main waiting area.
A bright, park-facing Waiting Area uses daylight sensors to adjust lighting. The reception desk connects visually to seating and views.
Patients arrive to a glowing LED glass wall. To the left: a floating eyewear display and the main Reception, opening to the Waiting Room.
From the Waiting Room, patients visit Intake Rooms, each linked directly to a station in the Pre-Testing Room.
A curved Faculty Meeting Room anchors Pod 1, surrounded by 7 exam rooms and a consult room. Frosted glass allows visibility while maintaining privacy. Pod colors reflect the School of Optometry’s logo.
Colored floor tiles and painted soffits mark exam room entrances. Color continues inside with floor strips and accent walls.
Compact exam rooms include a sink/work counter, exam chair, slit lamp, and guest chair. Accent walls match Pod colors.
A central sub-waiting area faces the glass Optical Retail space. Its location minimizes travel to 21 exam rooms. A separate check-out desk eases traffic flow.
A curved glass wall defines the Optical Retail Area, visible from the corridor and sub-waiting. Displays are built into columns and glass.
A modern retail space showcasing hundreds of frames. Programmable lighting enhances the experience.
A serpentine counter connects patients and staff. Behind it, maple cabinetry and backlit glass panels frame a striking display wall.
A movable partition joins Pods 2 and 3 Faculty Rooms into one space. Frosted glass maintains privacy while allowing visibility.
Curved Faculty Rooms in Pods 2 and 3 add contrast to the corridor. Colorful tiles and soffits mark nearby exam rooms.
The north-south corridor offers a clear line of sight. Curved Pod rooms and color accents break up the linear space and aid wayfinding.
Fully renovated ADA-accessible bathrooms feature large porcelain tiles, quartzite counters, HDPE partitions, and mirrors for added depth.
Modernized bathrooms feature touchless fixtures and accessories.
The Vision
The Details
