The design of our Treatment Center is based on the metaphor of branching out. A relationship with the hospitals and treatment centers in the surrounding area of Marina Del Rey is acknowledged in our Center by creating awareness of such places. The Treatment Center is placed on the corner nearest Culver and the freeway off-ramp, as these are the most direct travel routes to the other places. Our formal approach arises from creating a separate branch for each method of treatment.
The entrance to the building will be from the corner of Culver and the freeway off-ramp directly under the structure. Once the patients enter the Treatment Center then a journey for healing begins. The heart of the building is where diagnoses are made and this space plays a central role in the balancing of the cantilevering structure. One branch is comprised of classrooms, library, and auditorium to allow patients to further their knowledge of PTSD. The second branch is the calming program spaces, including the group therapy, massage, and meditation/worship rooms. Finally, the last branch consists of the escapist program, such as video games, group activity, and gymnasium.
The Treatment Center is supported like a bridge. Steel mega-trusses form the building from all ends, each of which has overhangs. This building succeeds as the branches act in balance, both structurally and by allowing treatment to come into equilibrium.