Project category: New construction (completed November 2005)

Chief administrator: Adam Lane, AIA, Construction Real Estate and Support Services, (713) 448-5090

Firm: Morris Architects, (713) 622-1180

Design team: John Cooper, AIA, ACHA, Principal-in-Charge (Morris Architects); MEP Engineering (Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.)

Photography: © Aker/Zvonkovic Photography

Total building area (sq. ft.): 120,000

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $129

Total construction cost (excluding land): $15,500,000

The new 27,000-sq.-ft. Diagnostic Imaging Center (DIC) is located on the first level of the new Memorial Herman The Woodlands Medical Office Building III. This center consists of advanced imaging services, a comprehensive breast and bone center, and a bladder center.

Designed with a high-end spa experience in mind, the center is a soothing environment that houses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. In contrast to diagnostic centers of past, this space takes its cues from textures and materials found in hospitality environments. With comfortable seating and a variety of materials and lighting levels, the space helps bring calm and comfort to what may be a stressful examination.

Special attention was paid to making the patient’s experience with this somewhat-intimidating equipment as pleasant as possible. Serene, pastoral backlit settings were used to filter the space’s lighting and to create a harmonious visual respite for the patient. The Diagnostic Imaging Center is a calming and inviting space for both patients and family members.