Patient-Centric Architecture Supports Holistic Veterinary Medicine

The Chi University Animal Hospital

The Chi Animal Hospital is the latest addition to the growing Chi University campus. Settled in the rolling hills of north central Florida's equestrian region, the new Animal Hospital stands as the proving ground where philosophy and learning become practice. The University's approach to natural healing and holistic medicine serve as the basis for inspiration in the design of the new Animal Hospital.

Studies show that natural light and visual connections to the outdoors improve the healing process.Our design for the new Animal Hospital placed carefully sized windows throughout the building to ensure that animals of all sizes, and in every regularly occupied space including kennels, benefit from the hospital's natural surroundings.

We selected interior finishes thoughtfully, incorporating slip resistant flooring for furry feet, natural wood tones, and non-toxic coatings to help eliminate potential hazards. Treatment areas and exam rooms are state of the art, with flexible casework which can be adjusted to suit each patient and maximize workflow. Rehab spaces include an underwater treadmill and connected outdoor play space, flanked by floor to ceiling windows for optimal visibility. Acoustical separation between exam rooms and a one-way corridor system help mitigate unwanted encounters between animals. Each of these design elements lessens the stress placed on patients and helps to ensure each pet has an enjoyable experience, associating a positive experience with each visit.

The Chi Animal Hospital is the latest addition to the growing Chi University campus. Settled in the rolling hills of north central Florida's equestrian region, the new Animal Hospital stands as the proving ground where philosophy and learning become practice. The University's approach to natural healing and holistic medicine serve as the basis for inspiration in the design of the new Animal Hospital.

Studies show that natural light and visual connections to the outdoors improve the healing process.Our design for the new Animal Hospital placed carefully sized windows throughout the building to ensure that animals of all sizes, and in every regularly occupied space including kennels, benefit from the hospital's natural surroundings.

We selected interior finishes thoughtfully, incorporating slip resistant flooring for furry feet, natural wood tones, and non-toxic coatings to help eliminate potential hazards. Treatment areas and exam rooms are state of the art, with flexible casework which can be adjusted to suit each patient and maximize workflow. Rehab spaces include an underwater treadmill and connected outdoor play space, flanked by floor to ceiling windows for optimal visibility. Acoustical separation between exam rooms and a one-way corridor system help mitigate unwanted encounters between animals. Each of these design elements lessens the stress placed on patients and helps to ensure each pet has an enjoyable experience, associating a positive experience with each visit.

Project Owner

Chi University

Location

Reddick, FL

Completion Date

August 2023

Project Size

9,600 SF

Cost

$5.3M

Contractor

Oelrich Construction, Inc.

Delivery Method

Construction Management

Partners

MEPF: Mitchell Gulledge Engineering
Civil: Mastroserio Engineering, Inc.
Structural: Miller Engineering

20063_00_N41_medium
20063_00_N43_medium
20063_00_N46_medium
20063_00_N47_medium
20063_00_N50_medium
20063_00_N56_medium
20063_00_N58_medium
20063_00_N40_medium

Selected Works

University of Miami BioNIUM Nanotechnology LabNanotechnology Researchers Gain a Highly Specialized Lab

The Chi University Animal HospitalNanotechnology Researchers Gain a Highly Specialized Lab

UF Innovation and Learning LabDesign Healing Spaces

UF Health Family Medicine - Haile PlantationHealthcare as an Integral Neighborhood Element

St Augustine Government House RehabilitationFirst LEED Certified Historic Building in Florida

Shands Facilities Administration BuildingOpen Plan Design Promotes Collaboration

UF J. Wayne Reitz Student Union ExpansionEmphasizing a Sense of Place for Gators

UF Student Healthcare CenterA Building That Says "We Care"

UF Health Shands Inpatient Dialysis SuiteHow Can a Hospital Dialysis Unit Support Staff and Patient Well-being?

UF Condron Family Ballpark Outfield Restrooms & ConcessionsRounding Out the 360-Degree Gator Baseball Fan Experience

UF Early Childhood Collaboratory at Baby GatorLeading UF’s Youngest Scholars Towards a Love of Learning

UF Condron Family BallparkA New 360-Degree Gator Baseball Fan Experience

Radiant Credit Union Operations BuildingRadiant Credit Union Operations Building

IT PRO.tv Adaptive ReuseA Launchpad for Online Learning

Exactech Parking GarageWelcome to Exactech

Clinical Techniques & Skills Assessment LabDelivering a Premier Clinical Simulation Lab

Chi Institute ExpansionModern Facility for Ancient Healing Arts

Career Connections CenterThe Bridge from College to Professional Life

Santa Fe College Building Construction InstituteSpaces for Construction Trade Education

Oak Hall Lower School Enrichment CenterAgile Classrooms Empower Young Scholars

Hitchcock Field and Fork Food PantryAddressing Food Insecurity on UF's Campus

Facade Renovations for Trimark PropertiesA Distinctive Facade Within the Innovation District

Basic Science Building Lab Renovation, Phase 2Designing an agile lab environment for UF Basic Science.

UF Norman Hall RehabilitationCollege of Education Revisioning

Indoor Tennis Practice FacilityNow Any Weather is Tennis Weather

Phi Mu Sorority HouseReorganized Spaces Provide Maximum Benefit

Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area Office at GTECA Fresh New Look to Reinvigorate the GTEC Building

UF College of Veterinary Medicine AdditionStandalone addition to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida.

Lake City Fire Station No. 2Lake City Fire Station No. 2

Williston City HallWilliston City Hall

City of Williston Downtown Streetscape and ArcadeCity of Williston Downtown Streetscape and Arcade

Alachua County Tax Collector Northwest BranchTax Collector New Northwest Branch

Related Projects