Located in Cleveland’s east side, The Rainbow Ahuja Center for Women & Children provides critical health resources to vulnerable infants and mothers with a holistic continuum of care.
To support the needs of the community, the center provides primary pediatric care, women’s health, OB/GYN services, a dental office, pregnancy and parenting classes and additional social resources all under one roof.
Advancing health equity
Designed as a destination for health, the building carefully considers its context and the historically marginalized clinical care experiences of the Black community. To position itself as a haven where people are seen, heard, and valued as a whole person – UH Rainbow provides critical access to services beyond medical care, addressing adverse conditions faced by low-income residents.
Informed by stakeholder input, the building offers onsite access to dietitians, dental services, a pharmacy, financial planning, and legal assistance. The adjacent site offers access to fresh food and cooking classes, with free-produce distribution weekly.
Approachable and accessible
Playful furniture and window-lined waiting areas flood the space with natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for parents and children alike. To assist with wayfinding, hallways retain a distinct color and graphic theme, designed to represent people of all ages and ethnicities. Local artists and artwork featuring Cleveland landmarks adorn walls, with interactive exhibits for children in each of the waiting spaces.
As the first LEED platinum healthcare building in Ohio, the project embodies equity and resilience, in both the programming of space and the approachable scale of the structure. The building design serves patients and the environment by optimizing indoor air quality and reducing the environmental footprint of the center.
In a neighborhood disproportionately affected by poor air quality, reducing UH Rainbow Center’s energy consumption doesn’t just impact building performance, it also reduces atmospheric pollution and the associated health implications for residents.
Optimizing every square foot
Optimizing every square foot
Optimizing every square foot
