This project transforms a previously utilitarian site into a multi-functional campus that supports both day-to-day operations and public health responsiveness. The design features the adaptive reuse of a pre-engineered warehouse, now housing three departments, a specialty print shop, and a maintenance workshop. Key additions include a lobby and reception area, a 24-seat conference room, and an open office suite with breakout spaces and private offices.
Adjacent to the office facility, the Public Health Pavilion was created as a flexible, open-air structure to support screenings, vaccine distribution, and future pandemic response efforts. Clad in copper-hued perforated metal panels, the pavilion conveys visual permeability while emphasizing safety, access, and community care. A new courtyard offers respite space for clinical staff and a shared outdoor area for employees across the campus.
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The pavilion was carefully designed to fit within the scale of its surroundings while still making a strong architectural statement. Because the building stretches across the long side of an entire city block, its height and placement were intentionally considered in relation to the existing JCDH facilities to the north and south.
To balance the urban context, the Pavilion steps back from 14th Street, creating breathing room from two neighboring high-rise developments. This approach softens the street edge, allowing the Pavilion to feel welcoming rather than imposing.
Finally, consistent signage across the Pavilion and the adjacent JCDH block helps reinforce a unified campus identity, making the facilities feel connected and easy to navigate.
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Together, the Pavilion, Annex façade updates, and new signage create a refreshed and inviting public face for the health department. Corrugated, copper-toned panels bring warmth and texture to the exterior, striking a balance between security and accessibility while also facilitating easy navigation for visitors.
What was once a nondescript corner has been transformed into a strong street presence that feels both grounded and approachable. The design nods to Birmingham’s industrial heritage while avoiding the overly sleek, modern aesthetic that can sometimes feel intimidating to patients and visitors.
The Pavilion’s courtyard introduces a softer, more inviting layer to the campus. Locally sourced stone, a variety of plantings, and warm wood furnishings create a rich mix of textures that contrast with the building’s more industrial, streamlined material palette.
These design choices bring warmth and a sense of comfort to the site, while still fitting seamlessly into the surrounding urban context. Taller screen walls and lower concrete and stone walls help define distinct zones within the courtyard, offering both structure and openness without making the space feel closed in.
