Designing Community Healthcare: HHA’s Work with Cityblock Health

Cityblock’s health hubs are community-based clinics that offer primary care, behavioral health, and social services for individuals on Medicaid or dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid – many of whom are at disproportionately higher risk for poor health outcomes. Understanding the unique challenges that underserved populations face, this clinic was designed to foster holistic care addressing patients’ complex needs. The design of the space supports the holistic nature of how Cityblock views care, from a medical, social and equitable lens. Through thoughtful design and thorough consideration of operational flow from both the public and employee perspectives, this hub brings together community, behavioral health and supportive exam rooms in a new way.

This project takes a forward-thinking, holistic approach to healthcare by combining different typologies of rooms under one roof: physical exam rooms, behavioral health, social care, and community rooms that support Cityblock’s belief that social, economic and environmental factors all play into the health of an
individual. From the minute the members walk into the hub they are greeted with curated local artwork, natural light and a welcoming reception area with supportive furniture catering to the diverse, complex needs of Cityblock’s members.

The welcome desk is a critical component to the concept of openness and connection. The first member touchpoint inside is barrier-free, invoking trust and community over fear and separation. It signals to members that this is a space where services are provided in a cooperative, supportive way. The desk curves around to an accessible check-in area next to the refreshment zone where members are greeted with Cityblock’s ethos “Be seen. Be heard. Be healthy.”

The concept design for Cityblock is centered around creating a community hub where care is accessible and delivered with transparency in an approachable environment. The ground floor space is sited in a corner building on a major commercial corridor with approximately 140 SF of storefront; a tenant space which would traditionally be used for retail. The site selection gives Cityblock immediate visibility in the neighborhood and because of its adjacency to major transit (subway and bus), it is accessible to an even broader community.

The overall look and feel of the hub is aspirational and functional. It was thoughtfully crafted with simplicity at its backbone, to withstand the test of time, and designed efficiently so that the space has long-term operational functionality, low maintenance, and low build-out costs.