The new 180,000-square-foot Emory Executive Park Musculoskeletal Institute (EMSK) in Atlanta is the latest addition to the Emory’s Executive Park Innovation District. It brings orthopedics and spine care, physical therapy, imaging, and ambulatory surgery, as well as clinical and research space together under one roof.

The design of the six-story facility, which opened in October 2021, was inspired by the institute’s goal to restore fluidity of motion and structural components of the human body. For example, the research department on the top floor protrudes out from the building to symbolize the cutting-edge research taking place there, while the rest of the building features a curved organic shape.

Inside, architectural details are inspired by human anatomy, such as ceiling slats in a waiting area designed to emulate muscular ribs and connective tissues.

Submitted to the Design Showcase by HKS (Atlanta), Brasfield & Gorrie (Atlanta), and Structor Group (Atlanta), the project design strives to reduce the environmental impact of the building, as well.  Strategies aim to achieve LEED Gold certification and include a stormwater reclamation system, lighting/occupancy sensors and timers, and sustainably sourced indoor and outdoor materials. Additionally, the building will be 100 percent powered by clean, renewable energy.

Learn more about the Design Showcase winners during an awards luncheon at the 2022 HCD Conference + Expo, taking place Oct. 8-11, in San Antonio. The program will also honor the winners of Healthcare Design’s Remodel/Renovation Competition and Rising Stars programs. For more details and to register, visit HCDexpo.com.