55 Park Street Building, Yale New Haven Hospital

55 Park Street, situated in New Haven’s downtown, is part of the City’s master plan to bridge two prominent neighborhoods currently segregated by the Route 34 corridor. In addition to its main function as a clinical research laboratory, the program also includes a blood bank, pharmacy, administrative offices, ground floor retail, and auditorium spaces. Notably, it incorporates sustainable features which improve patient experience, staff comfort and reduce energy consumption. An innovative facade design utilizes translucent insulation in its advanced curtain wall. The daylit atrium-lobby, a major design feature, provides connectivity to the adjoining Smilow Cancer Hospital and pedestrian bridge, as well as to the surrounding and vibrant neighborhood. The atrium also integrates vegetation that welcomes visitors and provides a respite for employees and patients alike.

Atelier Ten’s lighting design for the atrium and core and shell spaces is integrated with the daylight strategy, significantly reducing energy loads associated with lighting. While the east-west orientation of the atrium-lobby makes the space susceptible to substantial solar heat gain, the facade design, which uses translucent insulation, significantly reduces those heat gains. Atelier Ten also worked closely with the architects and engineers to optimize the façade and mechanical system design to improve the efficiency of this energy-intensive laboratory program. Energy modeling and daylight analysis provided detailed design feedback for the client to prioritize investments and for the team to improve overall system performance.