Project
Review: Meditation Room Water Feature
at the |
University
of Arkansas for Medical Sciences |
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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. |
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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.
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Comments
regarding the Mediation Room
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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.
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Q.
What were some of the challenges
of this project, and how were
they overcome?
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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.
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Q.
What are some of the unique
architectural features of this
project?
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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.
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Q.
Are there any other comments
or information that you wish
to share?
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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.
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(Photos
taken on June 22, 2010 by Robbie
Green, Photographer)
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"Here
is the entrance to the Meditation
Room."
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"Here
are the water feature, ceiling
adornment, and paneling."
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"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."
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"Here
is a close up of the water feature."
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"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."
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"The
General Contractor and stone fabricator." |
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"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."
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