Weill Cornell Medicine
Main Corridor

As the main path into and around its New York City campus, Weill Cornell Medicine wanted to transform its non-descript, confusing and institutional looking First Floor corridor and provide a unified and professional image. This main corridor is in fact several linked corridors that travel through several different buildings built over many decades and of varying style, materials, and quality. Logistically, the corridor improvements had to be completed in a six week time frame while the building was continually occupied and operational.

Design Challenges

• Unify existing spaces of varying styles and materials
• Introduce materials that respect…
  • The original building’s bluestone and sandstone
  • The existing entry’s paneling and terrazzo floor
• Carry out renovations in six weeks in a facility operating 24/7

Design Approach

Establish an architectural vocabulary taking cues from existing components and finishes including:

• Weave ‘Wood Arches’, chair rail and stone base to unify existing and new spaces
• Select stone flooring that complements original bluestone and terrazzo floors
• Create millwork ‘Display Walls’ to organize placement of departmental information
• Highlight key spaces with flooring, lighting, ceiling treatment and color