Texas Medical Center
Houston, TX
Client:
Texas Medical Center
Size:
123,000 SF
RDC is collaborating with Texas Medical Center (TMC) on a groundbreaking project to integrate experiential retail and hospitality into the world’s largest medical campus. The project team’s vision is to elevate the experience of a typical medical campus by introducing Helix Park at Texas Medical Center – a transformative retail and experience district comprised of a helix-shaped chain of six parks strategically woven throughout the project.
This visionary project seeks to transcend the conventional boundaries of a traditional medical campus, infusing life into the expansive property and inviting the community to take part in the experience. Helix Park is thoughtfully designed to promote community engagement and well-being. The district features extensive walking paths meandering through lush lawns and grassy knolls, leading to cafes, retail shops, and public amenities that will host outdoor gatherings, concerts and a variety of activities.
Creating a Community Hub
As a retail destination, Helix Park caters to a diverse audience. Created for both the medical staff and daily visitors of the TMC as well as the diverse communities of greater Houston, the district boasts unique culinary destinations with outdoor patios, fitness studios, entertainment venues, and a carefully curated collection of shops. This fully-immersive experience ensures that every aspect of a visitor’s journey is considered and enriched, creating a vibrant and inclusive community hub.
Upon completion, Helix Park will offer 123,000 square feet of retail, 275,000 square feet of programmed park area, and a 1,000-seat seat amphitheater.
The introduction of a helix-shaped chain of six parks, artfully woven throughout the campus, serves as a design nod to the medical campus and as a testament to the project’s commitment to public use and civic spaces. The parks will promote interaction, well-being, and a sense of belonging for the community. By transforming ground-level connections into parks, the project maximizes space utilization while ensuring accessibility and convenience.
Sustainable Design Features
RDC’s commitment to sustainability is showcased through a variety of design elements meant to minimize the project’s environmental impact. The project was conceived in a 100-year flood plain, requiring each building to be lifted several feet above the existing grades. The link of open spaces in Helix Park vary in elevation but are designed to accommodate overflow water during extreme rain events. The direct connection of dining terraces to the grass-covered and tree-lined parks promotes biophilia and natural cooling, enhancing the overall experience. A comprehensive waste management plan ensures responsible and sustainable practices throughout the entire project.
The introduction of a helix-shaped chain of six parks, artfully woven throughout the campus, serves as a design nod to the medical campus and as a testament to the project’s commitment to public use and civic spaces. The parks will promote interaction, well-being, and a sense of belonging for the community. By transforming ground-level connections into parks, the project maximizes space utilization while ensuring accessibility and convenience.
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