Cardiovascular center will provide coastal canyon views to help heal

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held recently for the Sulpizio Family Cardiovascular Center, a $171 million facility on the University of California, San Diego Medical Center campus. The 128,000-sf facility will house medical research, education, and patient-care operations.

Designed by Baltimore-based RTKL, the glass-wrapped building was conceptualized as a “jewel box” to capitalize on 360-degree views of the La Jolla coastline, nearby canyons, and the Torrey Pines State Reserve. The expansive views work in conjunction with nature-inspired built elements—an outdoor entry atrium, water features, healing gardens and a courtyard—to augment the healing process.

The hospital is composed of 24 intensive and intermediate care beds, 20 examination rooms, four cardiac catheterization labs, four operating rooms sized to accommodate complex surgeries, clinical research facilities, and an emergency department with 18 examination stations. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2010.