Combining resources to accelerate discovery: UT Health Center for Brain Health.

Improving Care, Accelerating the Cure

The mission of the Center for Brain Health is an urgent one: the prevention, care, and cure for dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Nearly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.” The Center will take the unique approach of locating a comprehensive suite of diagnostics and therapies in one clinic building, with the goal of improving outcomes. According to Dr. Sudha Seshadri, Director of the Center for Brain Health, “We want you to live the best life you can.”

“The UTH team expects to ‘cure Alzheimer’s in this building,’” notes Briana Gutierrez. “Their optimism and commitment inspire us.” The Center for Brain Health is the new home of UT Health San Antonio’s Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, along with multiple specialties that are currently located in several facilities across the UT Health San Antonio’s Greehey Campus. Combining facilities under one roof will allow a multi-disciplinary team to provide comprehensive care for patients and their families. The related specialty clinics offer diagnostics, advanced imaging, physical therapy; the Center houses research spaces, a lab, and a pharmacy.

Architecture Supports Campus Growth

“Integral to how we work as architects, we honor context; the Brain Health building seamlessly integrates with its campus neighbors,” notes Ariel Chavela. Borrowing campus UT Health campus vernacular, the exterior design collages different materials – brick and metal panel from Barshop and the STRF, stucco from the Medical Arts & Research Center (MARC) and wood-look composite metal panels from the Multispecialty Research Hospital – to create a new, unique architectural expression that is at home within its context.

Aligned with its mission, architecture supports wellbeing with connections to the outdoors: the Center for Brain Health connects to the MARC via an outdoor plaza and conditioned walkway. A garden located on the plaza is a welcome respite for patients, families, and staff.

The project site is located next to the MARC on the Greehey Campus. Its proximity to the MARC, Barshop Institute for Aging and Longevity and the South Texas Research Facility (STRF) allows for high level collaboration and resources for clinical trials and research studies, in addition to comprehensive patient care.