Western Digital Corp., a developer and manufacturer of digital storage solutions, asked LPA, Inc. (Irvine, Calif.) to design an employee wellness center at its corporate headquarters in Irvine, Calif. Dedicated to Western Digital employees, the DRIVE Wellness Center provides convenient, cost-effective access to healthcare services and promotes a healthy work-life balance. (DRIVE stands for "Dedicate," "Renew," "Improve," "Vitalize," and "Engage.")

The 4,700-square-foot facility consists of a lobby, three exam rooms, three physical therapy offices, a large physical therapy room, consultation offices, a medication and blood draw lab, a large staff collaboration area, and a small conference room for educational seminars and biometrics screening.

The interiors were designed to promote health and wellness through a modern, technology-centered environment. Warm, neutral colors create a soft and calming space, while bright graphics along the corridors promote wellness and provide patients with an easy wayfinding experience. The front of the suite features glass walls with a semi-transparent film that bring natural light from the exterior windows into the entire space.

The center was designed with both staff and patients in mind and has an open flow with a central area for staff and a circular corridor to provide easy and stress-free access to the clinic’s offerings.

The lighting concept for the wellness center is inspired by high-end hotel lobby design. Floating light sticks hover above the reception area to add height and dimension, while recessed linear light fixtures highlight the waiting area. The linear theme continues down the wall into the illuminated niches.

Indirect lighting is used throughout the space. For example, cove lighting in the consult rooms provides ambient light, while adjustable downlights serve as accent lights. A combination of indirect and direct linear pendants are used in the physical therapy gym to continue the linear theme and provide general illumination.