{"id":11667,"date":"2025-01-22T11:50:20","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T16:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/slamcoll.com\/?post_type=sub151_project&p=11667"},"modified":"2026-03-02T12:55:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T17:55:06","slug":"university-of-rochester-medical-center-saunders-center-for-orthopaedics-and-physical-performance","status":"publish","type":"sub151_project","link":"https:\/\/slamcoll.com\/portfolio\/university-of-rochester-medical-center-saunders-center-for-orthopaedics-and-physical-performance\/","title":{"rendered":"University of Rochester Medical Center, Saunders Center for Orthopaedics and Physical Performance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Insight<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The project sought to address the growing regional demand for <\/span><\/span>orthopaedic<\/span><\/span> care by reimagining underutilized <\/span><\/span>retail space as a cutting-edge medical facility. Leveraging an adaptive reuse model, it aimed to deliver <\/span><\/span>accessible, patient-centered care while reducing costs and fostering equity for underserved populations.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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The project required repurposing the existing Sears anchor store as well as to carve out space for courtyards, daylight, and new tower construction<\/span><\/span>\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Solution<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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SLAM solved the challenge by transforming the existing Sears building into a 372,420 SF healthcare <\/span><\/span>facility that integrates 210,000 SF of repurposed space with 120,000 SF of new construction. <\/span><\/span>This approach not only minimized costs and timelines, but also created an accessible, intuitive, and patient-<\/span><\/span>focused environment aligned with the client\u2019s specific goals.<\/span><\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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The design incorporates abundant natural light, <\/span><\/span>thoughtfully planned rehabilitation spaces, and <\/span><\/span>accessible amenities, creating an environment <\/span><\/span>that makes healthcare calm and approachable.<\/span><\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Situated in a familiar suburban mall, the center <\/span><\/span>ensures easy access by car and public <\/span><\/span>transportation. Sweeping canopies <\/span><\/span>seamlessly integrate with the mall, promoting <\/span><\/span>equity and a welcoming patient experience.<\/span><\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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By repurposing the mall’s roof and structure, the <\/span><\/span>team saved nearly a year of construction time, cut <\/span><\/span>costs by 10%, and transformed the institute into a <\/span><\/span>sleek, curvilinear form.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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SLAM leveraged the flexibility of the existing <\/span><\/span>Sears structure, with its open column grid and <\/span><\/span>high ceilings, to seamlessly accommodate high-<\/span><\/span>tech medical spaces like operating rooms and <\/span><\/span>imaging suites.<\/span><\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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A seamless, efficient environment for care is <\/span><\/span>seen in the thoughtfully designed treatment bays <\/span><\/span>that prioritize patient privacy, accessibility, and <\/span><\/span>workflow.<\/span><\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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A\u00a0cohesive and inviting environment with a <\/span><\/span>spacious inner courtyard floods interior spaces <\/span><\/span>with natural light, while incorporating dynamic <\/span><\/span>features, like a track, to emphasize movement <\/span><\/span>and encourage activity.<\/span><\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Impact<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Saunders Center has revolutionized outpatient care in the region, dramatically increasing access <\/span><\/span>to advanced <\/span><\/span>orthopaedic<\/span><\/span> services in an inviting and accessible setting. It has not only enhanced <\/span><\/span>patient experiences and outcomes, but also revitalized a suburban mall, contributing to community <\/span><\/span>health and economic sustainability.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n