Project Review: Meditation Room Water Feature at the
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Psychiatric Research Institute Return to previous page.


The UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute (PRI) prides itself on its outer beauty as well as its inner tranquilness. The Meditation Room is an important part of this pattern, bringing peace and beauty to an area of importance, PRI's outpatient clinics. The room's aesthetic qualities and soothing atmosphere combine to make an appealing resource for patients and caregivers alike.

 


 

Primary Function - Patient/family members meditation
Location - West Markham, Little Rock, AR
Owner - UAMS
Architect - Cunningham Architects (Minneapolis, MN) in association with Polk Stanley Wilcox, Little Rock, AR
General Contractor - CDI Contractors, LLC
Stone Fabrication Contractor - Arkansas Granite & More, Benton, AR
Project Description - Meditation Room feature - The University of Arkansas's five-story Psychiatric Research Institute (PRI) consolidates psychiatric care in Pulaski County into a single facility for use in research, education, and clinical care, while breaking the "institutional" stigma often associated with mental healthcare facilities through its unconventional aesthetic use of glass and transparency.
The Meditation Room itself is comprised of a naturally-lit area that is 10' wide by 14' long, a water feature, and uplifting interior design elements.

 


Comments regarding the Mediation Room

The University of Arkansas's five-story Psychiatric Research Institute (PRI) consolidates psychiatric care in Pulaski County into a single facility for use in research, education, and clinical care, while breaking the "institutional" stigma often associated with mental healthcare facilities through its unconventional aesthetic use of glass and transparency.

 

Q. What were some of the challenges of this project, and how were they overcome?

 

A. The project evolved over time from an initial feasibility study in 2001 for an independent facility on the east side of campus, to complete integration with the new Major Projects Development (New Hospital) in 2004 on the west side of campus. The facility is built over a new parking structure and adjacent to the new Patient Tower addition. Integrating the technical and aesthetic aspects of the project with the larger complex was both challenging and rewarding.

 

Q. What are some of the unique architectural features of this project?

 

A. Occupying a most prominent corner of the new hospital development, the west façade incorporates a more public, transparent glass façade that contains a communicating monumental stair, informal interactive meeting spaces, and the Meditation Room. The Meditation Room - designed by Cunningham Architects (Minneapolis, MN) in association with Polk Stanley Wilcox - is a small, highly detailed space designed for private contemplation. Incorporating custom stained wood paneling, 3Form custom light sculptures, and an integral water feature custom fabricated by Arkansas Granite & More.

 

Q. Are there any other comments or information that you wish to share?

 

A. The inclusion of the Meditation Room in the facility represents the embodiment of the mission of PRI, a place of healing and solace. The beautiful, custom water fountain fabricated by Arkansas Granite & More is a key feature in creating the desired ambiance of the space.

 


 

(Photos taken on June 22, 2010 by Robbie Green, Photographer)

 

 

"Here is the entrance to the Meditation Room."


"Here are the water feature, ceiling adornment, and paneling."

 

"The water feature is the predominant element of the Meditation Room because the sound of gentle water movement has a calming effect on most everyone. The abstract ceiling adornment, paneling, carpeting, and natural light work well together to create a truly positive environment."


"Here is a close up of the water feature."

 

 

"The water feature is constructed from Black Z Granite that was cut and formed to a high degree of precision, carefully assembled, and sealed and polished to a desired lustre. The fountain apparatus is designed to perform with little maintenance over a protracted amount of time."


"The General Contractor and stone fabricator."

 

"Though the Meditation Room and the water feature itself are very small in relation to the overall project, the design, fabrication, and installation requirements of this element at times presented some extraordinary challenges."