Healthcare Design

Following a nationwide search, Kishwaukee Hospital selected PRA to design a medically integrated Health & Wellness center. The project continued following the acquisition of Kishwaukee Hospital by Northwestern Medicine (NM).
Read moreThis health and wellness center was created to provide a unique and personalized health experience for residents of Dekalb and Sycamore, IL, by combining clinic and fitness operations under one roof. Other major program elements include a 175-seat auditorium and a public Café’.
The clinic includes exam, x-ray, and conference rooms to serve Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, and Population Health departments. In addition, space is provided for a future PT / OT clinic.
The wellness center provides group exercise studios, indoor walking and jogging tracks, strength and cardio equipment, cycling studio, yoga studio, 25-yard lap-pool, warm-water therapy pool and a full-court gymnasium. Other amenities include full-service locker rooms, showers, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, and a childcare area.
The building takes advantage of the sloping site to provide a single story entry - reducing the scale of such a large facility. Main social spaces located on the top floor make use of generous, elevated decks (sized to host events) and help sub-divide the scale of the two-story portion. Vertical and horizontal sunshade devices, cladding variety, and window articulation help to reduce scale.
The 16-acre site features extensive landscaping, water features, a fountain, fitness grove, sensory garden, and walking paths that incorporate outdoor exercise stations. The site is open to the community, and the entire project helps to encourage continued pursuit of life-long health.
The public café is one of the amenities offered in this f...
The public café is one of the amenities offered in this facility
The lobby is a sunlit space that features a wall of windo...
The lobby is a sunlit space that features a wall of windows, clerestories, and a variety of seating
The 25-yard lap swimming pool offers abundant natural light
The 25-yard lap swimming pool offers abundant natural light
The wellness center provides group exercise studios, indo...
The wellness center provides group exercise studios, indoor walking and jogging tracks, strength and cardio equipment, cycling studio, yoga studio, 25-yard lap-pool, warm-water therapy pool and a full-court gymnasium.
The elevated patio offers space for guest to relax, work ...
The elevated patio offers space for guest to relax, work and socialize
The private examination room helps patients feel comforta...
The private examination room helps patients feel comfortable while receiving medical care
The patio is a social space for guests to socialize and r...
The patio is a social space for guests to socialize and relax
The daycare is a kid friendly amenity for guest to use
The daycare is a kid friendly amenity for guest to use