National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)

Nicoe SmithGroup
National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)
Nicoe SmithGroup
National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)
National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)

Designed to advance the research, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological issues, the completion of the NICoE was an urgent matter, especially for members of the armed services returning from duty suffering from what has become the “signature wound of war." SmithGroup responded to this urgency by planning, designing and building the NICoE in just 22 months.

Client

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

Location

Bethesda, Maryland

Markets/Services

Ambulatory Care, Government, Government Health, Health & Wellness, Health, Rehabilitation, Translational Health Sciences

Size

72,000 SF

Featured Awards

American Institute of Architects -- Academy of Architecture for Health (AHA), 2012

IIDA Bronze, Healthcare Category, International Interior Design Association, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, 2011

Citation for Institutional Architecture, AIA Maryland, 2011

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Team Silver Award, Building Design + Construction, 2011

Award of Merit, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), 2011

Section Award, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Detroit Chapter, 2011

Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), Illumination Award of Merit, 2011

SmithGroup worked with clinicians and researchers to develop a program and operational concept supportive of an entirely new model of care. Merging evidence-based design with neurological studies, every element of the building is attuned to the special sensory and wayfinding needs of TBI patients. Patient interaction with the environment drove every design decision, from lighting and acoustics to privacy and safety.

Nicoe SmithGroup

This is a place of hope and healing. It's a place of inspiration.

Brigadier General Loree K. Sutton
Director, Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury

The winding form of the exterior is echoed in the lobby, where a curvilinear wood structure—housing a chapel, auditorium and therapy space—dominates the architecture. Although this world-class facility contains the most advanced technologies, the result is a warm, holistic space that communicates healing and hope.