Masonry Magazine September 1971 Page. 21
Mellon Pavilion Ambulatory Center
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Architects: Johnstone, McMillin & Assoc.
General Contractor: Crump, Inc.
Mason Contractor: Cost Brothers, Inc. (MCAA)
Patterns of decorative and functional glass block provide light and beauty to the entrance area of the Mellon Pavilion designed by Johnstone, McMillin & Associates.
Glass block patterns that blend into the walls of new outpatient center of a Pittsburgh, Pa. hospital complement the modern treatment methods now offered by the facility.
The $12 million Mellon Pavilion Ambulatory Care Center of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital opened in late 1970. The center's program calls for a combination of general and specialty clinical areas that provide complete medical service for outpatients. On arrival, patients enter the program through a medical screening clinic and are then referred to one of the specialty clinics and proceed through various follow-up procedures, where indicated.
Glazing of the center's mezzanine area presented a combination of design, maintenance and lighting challenges. Since the forward part of the mezzanine was to be designed as a patient lobby, windows were required to avoid a closed-in atmosphere. In addition, the designer sought to eliminate a distracting open view of the street. He also wanted to instill variety and interest in the exterior of the mezzanine.
Another factor the designer had to consider was the need to provide a feeling of security to elderly patients who might pass through the mezzanine area. Experience has proved that such patients are often disturbed by large plate glass windows above the floor level.
Using varying patterns of glass block, the designer was able to meet those challenges.
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