by Allison Milionis

The Duke (University) Integrative Medicine center combines conventional treatments with alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, and meditation. Closely tied to the mission of the new center was the goal of creating a building that evoked warmth and nurtured the well-being of patients and practitioners.

"In the design process, we asked what could we put in front of people that they can touch, feel, and see," says Turan Duda, principal of Duda/ Paine Architects, noting the firm's tactic of providing "positive distractions." An example is the oak front desk, which has a hand-carved, chiseled surface that patients often rub their hands over while checking in, according to Duda.

The center was one of four medical facilities that recently received AIA National Healthcare Design Awards from the American Institute of Architects.

Located in Durham, North Carolina, west of Duke University's West Campus and Medical Campus, the Duke IM building reflects the influences of two contrasting planning strategies — the formal order of West Campus, with its strong axes and clearly defined paths, and the informality of Duke Gardens, a collection of meandering paths and unexpected vistas.

The dramatic colonnade of the Duke IM entrance loggia features exposed wood beams and columns that play off the gothic vernacular of West Campus. The inner courtyard is a bench-lined hall facing a water feature and bamboo garden, and a nutrition center/ cafeteria opens onto a large covered patio bordered by gardens and forest.   >>>

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE The Duke Integrative Medicine facility in Durham, North Carolina, was one of four projects honored by the American Institute of Architects in its 2010 National Healthcare Design Awards. Photo: © Robert Benson Photography Extra Large Image SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE Duda/ Paine Architects designed the Duke Integrative Medicine center, a one-story, 27,000-square-foot (2,500-square-meter) medical building located in a suburban complex at the west edge of Duke campus, with views of the adjacent woodlands. Photo: © Robert Benson Photography Extra Large Image   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.