Stanford Medical Center - Edward Durell Stone - 1959
In the 1950s, American architect Edward Durell Stone challenged the principles of the International style of Modernism by incorporating elements borrowed from his Beaux-Arts education and embracing ornamentation in his designs. The grand opening of Stanford Medical Center in 1959 followed a series of high profile projects and professional accolades for the young Stone. Heralded by Architectural Forum as a “milestone in hospital design” and celebrated in Life magazine for its “restful beauty,” Stanford Medical Center was by any/all measures, a critical success. After 50+ years, the innovative design of Stanford Medical Center remains largely intact - its dramatic entrance marked by a large reflecting pool with floating planters, the concrete grill screens adorning the buildings, the open courtyards featuring gardens by landscape architect Thomas Church… Yet despite a series of historical resource evaluations in support of its preservation, Stanford Medical Center is set to be demolished due to lack of compliance to seismic safety standards and patient care capacity limitations. 1.) It is quite possible to seismically retrofit a building. 2.) Stanford has other land where a high-rise hospital tower could be constructed.
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