For years following its opening, the architecture of Stanford Medical Center was celebrated for its unique horizontal design. With the master plan for Stanford Medical Center, Edward Durell Stone’s intention had been to facilitate circulation (a key problem with tower-designed hospitals) via the logical organization of facilities. The medical center complex consists of three groups of connected buildings: the medical school, hospital, and outpatient care. Open patios and landscaping by Thomas Church provide a serene environment for both patients and visitors. The complex is set to be demolished due to lack of compliance to current seismic safety standards and patient care capacity limitations.
Selected Bibliography:
“A Milestone in Hospital Design,” Architectural Forum, June 1957, pp 116-119.
Vintage newsreel – “America Opens Embassy in New Delhi,” 1959. http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=67329
Image credits: Hilt Hansen and Heather David.
The complex has a dramatic entrance marked by a large reflecting pool with fountains and floating gardens. The clean lines of buildings and movement of the sun throughout the day cast intricate shadows. A beautiful landscaping plan includes an assortment of meticulously manicured topiaries and a large “yin-yang” garden. There are gorgeous details such as suspended metal light fixtures and concrete water fountains.
Similar in appearance to the United States Embassy in India (1954), architect Edward Durell Stone utilized perforated concrete as a key design element in the construction of Stanford Medical Center. Concrete screens wrap around the buildings, performing a protective grill that is both functional and decorative. In addition, garden wall screens are utilized for privacy and the unification of buildings.