Revitalizing Mental Health Care: RDLR Architects' Collaborative Endeavor with The Harris Center for a State-of-the-Art Northeast Clinic

RDLR Architects is collaborating with The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD on a replacement facility for its Northeast Clinic. The current Northeast Community Clinic at 7200 North Loop East Freeway faces challenges such as flooding, limited square footage, and an outdated layout, resulting in disrupted patient flows and extended wait times. The lack of privacy during visits and a single entrance exacerbate operational difficulties.

The new clinic prioritizes a client-centered design, emphasizing accessibility, natural lighting, greenery, and sensory-friendly elements. The 40,000 square foot, one-story building integrates physical and mental health services, a pharmacy, and support services at East Little York Road. The 11.37-acre site accommodates clinics for children, youth, and adults, a pharmacy, wellness center, playground, and detention pond, with space reserved for future development, allowing for increased patient capacity and building resilience.

The project aims to enhance the patient and staff experience by restructuring flows and incorporating nature. Many trees on the existing wooded site will be preserved, creating a nature enclave for healing and recovery. Biophilic design principles are applied for both operational efficiency and improved experiences. The clinic's design allows for growth, expanding access to mental health services for the Northeast quadrant of Houston.