VA Worcester Community-Based Outpatient Clinic

Project Highlights: VA Worcester Community-Based Outpatient Clinic

• Architecture firm: SmithGroup
• Owner: University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
• Location: Worcester, Mass.
• Category: B
• Project site: Previously developed
• Building program type(s): Healthcare - clinic

Born from a design-build partnership between architect and contractor, this four-story medical office building is among the newest additions to the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Campus. Its design approach is twofold, honoring the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans and fitting seamlessly into the campus’ larger context. The design process incorporated the Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic model, a nationwide effort to reduce barriers veterans often face in seeking care and expand the department’s capacity to provide quality outpatient primary care.

The team’s dual approach to the project can be found in the building’s grand design moves and the subtle details—materials, graphics, and patterning—throughout. The project relates to the rest of the campus through its terracotta, glass, and metal panel façade, which echoes the features of the adjacent academic setting. Its massing also aligns with the established campus geometry with just one deviation: a glass corner that is framed with crisp white lines that highlights the veterans’ entrance.

An awareness of veterans’ combat experience informed the clinic’s design and layout. The team recognized that many veterans who have experienced combat conditions do not encounter a building in the same way the civilian population does. Facing away from the campus, the east elevation acknowledges veterans with its energetic rhythm of slender windows. Exit stairs are enclosed in glass to provide escape route and egress clarity for those living with post-traumatic stress disorder. One stair features a four-story American  flag supergraphic. Together, these design gestures embedded in the architecture symbolize respect and permanence, and that veterans should be recognized every day.

The Department of Veterans Affairs leases the first two floors of the building, offering 90% of the services veterans seek in a single, convenient location. The clinical spaces rely on the department’s Patient Aligned Care Team template for outpatient services, including radiology, cardiology, mental health, rehabilitation, and pharmacy and laboratory services. The upper floors are reserved for UMass outpatient and administrative programs and are connected to a five-story parking structure by a pedestrian bridge. The structure adds 160 new parking spaces dedicated to veterans’ use.

The clinic was designed to meet a Two Green Globes rating as required by the Department of Veteran Affairs’ lease agreement. Additionally, the clinic meets the Massachusetts LEED Plus green building standard and has achieved LEED Silver certification.

Overall, the clinic is a salute to those who need care and those who provide it. Its official opening in fall 2021 was a testament to its importance, drawing dignitaries and elected officials from all levels of government, including the secretary of veterans affairs.