After being one of the lowest-ranked states for mental health care, Colorado’s Boulder Community Health responded with major fundraising to build the most modern facility in the state. This 70,000-square-foot complex exemplifies Boulder County’s commitment to serving well its citizens with mental illness, as well as marks a strategy to make itself the healthiest community in the country with innovative services and inspiring design.

 As such, the design concept is biophilic, incorporating representations of nature — grasslands, trees and water inspired by area surroundings — throughout the project, which have been scientifically shown to reduce stress and expedite healing. Every aspect, from windows, lighting systems, gardens, art, and even the garage, aid in that process. We designed perforated metal panels on all four sides of the parking garage that depict nearby majestic Cottonwoods. In fact, Boulder Creek inspired the entire story of graphics and environmental art. When considering art for the three-story stairway atrium, we concepted the story and art directed original photography during the fall for three 12-foot panels to be installed vertically. The connection to nature is clear, while subtle cues to wayfinding progress up each level, from creek to creek bed to cottonwood canopy. Also, we had a hand in the custom wood donor recognition “plaques.”