2002 AIA Michigan Design Honor Award

 COOPER CENTER FOR PHYSICAL AND MASSAGE THERAPIES
Farmington Hills, Michigan

Jury Comment:
A wonderful intellectual response, which enhances the programmatic functions occurring therein. Excellent integration of interior spaces with the beautifully landscaped site.

Project Description:
The Cooper Center is a 5, 000 s.f. physical rehabilitation center founded upon the belief that architectural design has a subtle but profound influence on the well being of those who spend their time within a built space. The Center’s plan differentiates between individual treatment spaces, which are solid, reclusive, and enclosed, and group-oriented therapy spaces, which are open, airy and readily accessible. The interaction between these two kinds of spaces: introspective and extroverted, private and public, is reinforced in the architectural organization and delineation of space, materials and textures.

Since physical rehabilitation encompasses both body and soul, the Cooper Center seeks to foster healing by providing an atmosphere that is in tune with nature. Natural materials, colors, and textures are consistently used to encourage Interaction with the building and site. Three distinct masonries were used in the project for their richness In texture, expression of function, relationship to the site and contrast with each other. Rough 'halquist' ledgestone with punched window openings encloses the private spaces at the exterior. A tout skin of wire-cut modular brick punctures the glass wall that encloses the public portion of the building. The stone and brick contrast In texture, color, and massing to articulate the dichotomy between public and private spaces Inside.

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