Project Data: 

Completion Date:     5/19/2025 

Square Footage:      68000 

Building Use:           Essential Services Building, Workplace, Laboratory, Compound Pharmacy and Emergency Operations 

Project Description: 

The Orange County Health Care Agency at Marine Way (OCHCA) sets a new standard for the delivery method while delivering a high level of design and functionality for the community it serves.

The County of Orange engaged a Design-Build Team to create a new Healthcare Campus that will serve the local community. The clinical-related services include programs such as Emergency Medical Services, a Compounding Pharmacy, a BSL-3 level Public Health Laboratory, as well as multiple administrative spaces.

Located across from the Orange County Great Park, the wing-shaped portion of the building references the history of the former Marine Corps Air Station, while the bronze and copper architectural elements reflect the colors and textures within the landscape. Additionally, the two-story daylit lobby displays colorful branding elements that reflect the local community and proudly display the mission and values of Orange County.

The Design-Build team met all the County’s programmatic requirements and designed the space to facilitate flexibility for day-to-day use and disaster response mode. The team strategically developed a building that minimized developed site area to allow space for a future building. Shared spaces such as conferencing rooms and break areas for all building occupants are located centrally for efficiency and allow the team to reduce the building’s square footage.

The original program from the County had the project divided into multiple buildings. Our approach consolidated departments into a single building with a common entrance. The result was a more efficient building with less surface area, lower energy costs, and improved daylighting—all while fostering community and supporting long-term flexibility.
The Design-Build team worked closely with the Client from the start of the project to manage the design and construction phases efficiently. This delivery method allowed early engagement with trade partners to achieve a higher degree of integration earlier in the design process while working within schedule and budget constraints. Extensive stakeholder engagement with building operations and user groups allowed for the establishment of clear purpose and early consensus throughout the project. The team utilized tools such as pull-planning, risk/opportunity logs, budget trackers, compliance logs, and more to manage the design process and maintain the budget while continually striving for a high level of design that reflects the County of Orange. This delivery model enabled the entire project to be completed within two years— an outcome unlikely with traditional delivery methods especially for such complex lab buildings.

Ultimately, the facility is more than a workplace—it’s a purposeful environment that uplifts dignity of public health professionals. By designing spaces that are safe, inspiring, and adaptable, the building enables its users to do their best work in service of the community. It reflects a future-forward approach to public architecture—rooted in care, driven by performance, and responsive to the urgent needs of our time. 

Design for Integration, Design for Equitable Communities, Design for Ecosystems, Design for Water , Design for Economy, Design for Energy, Design for Well-being, Design for Resources, Design for Change, Design for Discovery 

Design for Integration:
The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) exemplifies integrated design by uniting four public health departments into a single, cohesive facility that enhances operational synergy and spatial clarity. The architecture engages the senses through biophilic strategies—abundant daylight, natural ventilation, and tactile materials—creating a restorative environment for both staff and visitors. Visual and physical connections to the adjacent Great Park reinforce a sense of place and civic identity. This approach embedded sustainability, wellness, and resilience from the outset, aligning with the County’s mission to protect and improve human life. The result is a high-performance civic building that transcends its programmatic requirements, offering a dignified, efficient, and inspiring workplace rooted in its context.

Design for Equitable Communities:
As a publicly funded health facility, equity and inclusion were foundational to the design. The building brings together a diverse range of public health professionals—lab technicians, dispatchers, pharmacists, and administrators—into a shared, dignified workplace that fosters collaboration and mutual respect. Public-facing spaces, including an art-filled lobby and accessible community rooms, promote transparency and welcome the public health workers. The AOC (Agency Operations Center) serves dual roles: as an emergency response hub and a venue for public education. Designed with input from diverse user groups, the facility supports emotional well-being through calming break areas, intuitive wayfinding, and access to daylight. The project creates an oasis, preserves open spaces, and supports multimodal access, reinforcing long-term goals of health, equity, and connectivity.

Design for Ecosystems:
OCHCA supports the local ecosystem through thoughtful integration of architecture and landscape. Native and drought-tolerant plantings eliminate the need for potable irrigation and attract pollinators, while bioswales and permeable surfaces manage stormwater naturally, enhancing infiltration and reducing runoff. Site grading and soil retention strategies minimize ecological disruption and promote long-term resilience. Planting zones mimic regional ecologies like oak grasslands, creating microhabitats that evolve with the seasons. Outdoor spaces are designed to serve both people and pollinators, reinforcing a sense of place and ecological stewardship. Walking and biking paths connect users to the adjacent Great Park, encouraging daily interaction with nature and active transportation.

Design for Water:
Water conservation and responsible stormwater management are central to the project’s sustainability strategy. Landscaping uses reclaimed water via a purple pipe system, eliminating potable water use. Native plants are grouped into hydrozones to reduce maintenance and support local ecology. Indoors, high-efficiency fixtures and recycled water for flush valves reduce total water use by 46% and potable water use by 75%. Bioswales, permeable paving, and retention basins manage rainfall on-site, promoting infiltration and reducing runoff. Weather-based irrigation controls and submeters enable ongoing performance monitoring, embedding long-term water stewardship into the facility’s operations.

Design for Economy:
By combining two buildings into one, the team reduced construction scope, material use, and operational complexity. A vertically organized layout minimized land use and infrastructure demands. Modular structural and façade systems (5’-0” and 7’-0” grids) streamlined construction and improved efficiency. Durable, low-maintenance materials were selected to reduce long-term upkeep and replacement costs. The design-build delivery model enabled early coordination and real-time decision-making, avoiding costly rework and accelerating timelines. These strategies resulted in a high-performing civic facility delivered on time and within budget.

Design for Energy:
Energy code requirements were exceeded through an all electric infrastructure and advanced energy management systems. High-efficiency HVAC systems use demand-based controls and variable-speed components to reduce energy consumption across diverse program areas. A centralized building management system (BMS) enables real-time monitoring and optimization of energy performance. Even energy-intensive spaces like BSL-3 labs were designed with energy efficiency in mind, using zoned airflows and smart controls. These systems work together to reduce operational energy use and support long-term carbon reduction goals. The building’s performance positions it as a future-ready civic facility aligned with zero net carbon ambitions.

Design for Well-Being:
The design promotes comfort and health through a holistic focus on sensory experience, spatial clarity, and user empowerment. Acoustic treatments and ergonomic planning enhance daily comfort for staff in high-stress environments. The double-height lobby provides a welcoming, intuitive entry point that supports wayfinding and reduces cognitive load. Color theory is applied to reinforce spatial function—warm tones for collaboration, cool hues for focus, and greens for restoration. Break areas are designed for mental recovery, with calming materials and views to nature. These strategies collectively foster a supportive, health-centered environment that prioritizes user well-being.

Design for Resources:
Materials were selected in alignment with County standards, prioritizing durability, longevity, and maintainability. This included low-VOC paints, FSC-certified wood, recycled-content concrete and metal panels, and regionally sourced pavers and plantings to reduce transport emissions. Budget-conscious choices—such as high-density carpet with long-lasting thread count—balanced performance with cost. Virtual coordination enhanced precision and reduced overages. Together, these strategies support a zero-waste mindset while enhancing building performance, occupant health, and long-term value.

Design for Change:
Adaptability and resilience are core design drivers. A significant portion of the site was intentionally left undeveloped to support phased expansion. Modular planning, open lab layouts, and flexible work zones allow interior spaces to evolve with shifting public health priorities. MEP systems were designed for durability and future upgradeability, supporting long-term adaptability without major disruption. The site plan anticipates adjacent development and future transit infrastructure along Marine Way, with circulation and access strategies that accommodate future growth and public connectivity.

Design for Discovery:
Key lessons were revealed in designing high-containment BSL-3 labs that balance safety, flexibility, and human-centered design. The lab’s placement was behind a translucent mechanical screen which maintains security while expressing identity. Modular zones and secure airflows support adaptability, and daylight access enhances wellness—even in technical spaces. A compliance matrix aligned with BSL-3, UC, and County standards ensured rigor throughout design and construction. The design-build process fostered collaboration through workshops, user engagement, and contractor coordination. Lessons learned—such as daylighting in lab environments, façade optimization, and biophilic integration—were shared across teams and applied to future projects. Submetering and ongoing user feedback continue to inform performance and wellness, positioning the facility as a model for resilient, mission-critical civic infrastructure. 

Firm Name:              Christine Wang 

Completion Date:     5/19/2025 

Square Footage:      68000 

Building Use:           Essential Services Building, Workplace, Laboratory, Compound Pharmacy and Emergency Operations 

Location:                 Irvine, CA 

Design Architect: 

Gensler 

Associate Architect or Firm: 

Landscape Architect: 

LandLab 

Owner / Developer: 

Orange County Health Care Agency / Orange County Public Works 

Engineer: 

Civil – Fuscoe Engineering Inc.
Geotechnical – Geosyntec Consultants
Structure – KPFF
MEP & Lighting – WSP
Audiovisual – Waveguide LLC
 

General Contractor: 

PCL Construction LLC 

Consultant: 

Furniture - GMBI  

Photographer: 

Mike Kelley