Kaiser Permanente's Center for Total Health is a 12,793-sq.-ft. interactive learning center showcasing Kaiser Permanente's approach to healthcare for the public, policymakers, and the health sector. The Center for Total Health is Kaiser's vision of where healthcare is headed – the future of healthcare. For this reason, they wanted to make sure that it included the dynamic, informational, educational, and technological elements required by both their current and future patients. The design for the space includes an 80-ft.-wide by 8 ft.-9 in.-tall interactive video wall which allows users to interface with unique software and to learn about Kaiser Permanente in a dynamic and educational way. There is also an interactive screen array wall comprised of twelve 55-inch LED LCD interactive monitors. In the orientation area, visitors to the Center can watch a film detailing the history of Kaiser Permanente broadcasted on a 103-inch plasma screen.
The project features decorative metal paneling housing the interactive screen array and video walls in the main space. Conference rooms with operable partition dividers allow for flexible use of meeting space and fabric-wrapped acoustic wall panels, located throughout the facility, mitigate sound in public spaces and meeting rooms. Strategically placed BASWAphon acoustical plaster ceilings also aid in the control of sound transmittance. The briefing room is equipped with a Cisco Telepresence system, comprised of three display screens. The visual and interactive details were crucial in creating the environment envisioned by Kaiser Permanente. Examples of these elements include graphic image wall coverings displaying Kaiser branding and information about technology displays. Various technology demonstration areas are located in the facility, each containing display niches which demonstrate how doctors utilize technology for the betterment of the patients. Graphic image shades along the front windows are used not only to reduce light transmittance indoors but also to provide a visual display for passersby on the street, grabbing their attention and inviting them in to learn more about Kaiser Permanente.
DPR, MEP contractors and the design team used BIM for detailed coordination of the MEP systems including clash detection analysis, which minimized conflicts in the field during construction, saving time and money. DPR used the BIM coordination in conjunction with the Last Planner scheduling method and the result was highly efficient conflict resolution. The Last Planner method is a process used to gain contractor buy-in and, therefore, accountability for on-time meeting of milestones as well as the overall project success.