Now that the majority of skin (windows and GFRC Panels) cover the steel frame (as viewed from the southeast corner rising above Barton Road and Anderson Street), the vertical and horizontal geometric lines produce a three-dimension structure, which was initially an architects three-dimension illusion that graced the elevation plans. In this post, we will take a look at the geometric spatial design of the building. The view begins at grade with the podium, which forms the footprint for the three towers: the Children’s Hospital, the elevator tower, and the Adult Hospital tower. The central core, or the elevator tower, rises between the two hospital towers 18-stories above grade or 13-stories above the podium.
The drawing in the following image is a simple three-dimensional illusion, something like an architect would draw to illustrate the geometric design of the structure. The numbers serve to identify the roof lines and elevation.
Legend for the layered spacial and mixed architectural design of the Loma Linda University Health Campus Transformation Project : (1) Ribbed GFRC Panels — the south elevation of the podium, which at this angle is four-stories above grade; (2) Glass Curtain Wall — the south elevation step out of the Children’s Hospital; (3) Glass Curtain Wall with vertical Dichroic glass fins — the east elevation step in of the Children’s Hospital; (4) Glass Curtin Wall — the south elevation of the step in of the Children’s Hospital; (5) GFRC Panels — the south elevation of the central core tower that rises 18-stories above grade; (6) GFRC Panels — the east elevation of the central core tower; (7) Ribbed GFRC Panels— the east elevation of the podium; (8) Glass Curtain Wall with vertical Dichroic glass fins — the east elevation of the Children’s Hospital; (9) Twisted style – Ribbed GFRC Panels — the south elevation of the Adult Hospital tower; and (10) Twisted style – Ribbed GFRC Panels — the east elevation of the Adult Hospital tower.The same view as the feature image but with a photoshop process, which highlights the geometric lines. The area toward the center-left can be a bit confusing: is the narrow tower at the left shorter than the longer tower behind or is it the same height? Look closely. Reflection comes into play here. The answer is: They are the same height, the lighter vertical half is the reflection.
After graduate school Dennis accepted a position at Loma Linda University. He worked there for 42 years in the areas of administration and financial management, also teaching accounting and management to dietetic students at the School of Public Health. Through the years Dennis has chronicled the growth of the campus, including the construction of the Drayson Center and the Centennial Complex and the razing of Gentry Gym. He is the author of "The Mound City Chronicles: A Pictorial History of Loma Linda University, A Health Sciences Institution 1905 - 2005." dEp 09.30.2016 🔨
