Bascom Palmer Eye Institute opened the first university-based eye care center in 2004 and, since then, has expanded and cemented its place as a national leader. In 2013, Bascom Palmer purchased a 1.5-acre site on a busy corner in the heart of upscale Naples, Florida to construct the 20,000 sq. ft. University of Miami (UM) Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

The $25 million LEED-certified project was completed in 2015, featuring architectural metal products from CENTRIA, and hosts state-of-the-art technology and double the number of ophthalmologists on staff. Bascom Palmer’s prestigious reputation called for a facility that represented its growing staff and cutting edge practices for their high-end clientele.

Because of its standing as a leading eye care facility, respected ophthalmologists and practitioners from around the world flocked to the institute. This influx of elite eye doctors and patients urged Gresham Smith & Partners to design a facility that looked cutting edge and sophisticated. Architects took on Bascom Palmer’s challenge to make the facility stand as the paragon of 21st century ophthalmic centers, encouraging a balance of performance and aesthetic flair.

UM Bascom Palmer Eye Institute had to be designed with Florida temperature and weather in mind. Formawall Dimension Series insulated metal panels protect doctors and patients from the scorching Florida sun and minimize warm airflow within. Hurricanes and powerful storms were also a strong consideration for architects. Formawall panels form a protective shell from storm winds and flying debris with their durability, and Fluorofinish coating provides superior resistance to weathering and fading from repeated exposure to rain and saltwater. Each Formawall panel is equipped with insulated metal vertical (IMV) joints to further protect from thermal and water penetration without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

As an eye care facility, visual appeal was paramount to the very design. The facility had to accommodate an increased number of occupants and provide a bright, positive atmosphere. Designers took the modern aesthetic to another level with integrated 2-inch and 3-inch insulated metal panels, simulating recessed windows and creating a multi-planed accent wall. With their smooth Regal White finish, the panels provide an aesthetic that transcends contemporary architecture.