The new Southwest Central Dispatch Center serves communities in the southwestern Chicagoland suburbs. 911 dispatchers are there for their communities in times of need and are often part of someone’s “worst day” ever. The new dispatch center is designed to support dispatchers in their often stressful careers by promoting well-being and reducing stress.
Designed and constructed to align with the WELL Building Standards, which support occupant health and wellness by focusing on design elements that improve comfort, reduce stress, increase alertness, and promote health.
- Elements of biophilia woven into the design
- Natural daylighting and tunable artificial lighting have been designed to support a healthy circadian rhythm
- Outdoor break area for dispatchers to increase the amount of natural light they receive during a shift
Residential aesthetics help to both blend into the adjacent residential neighborhood and provide a comforting atmosphere for dispatch operators.
- A communal break room designed with a dining/lounge space and kitchen where dispatchers can prepare and share a meal
- A quiet room with a calming environment for decompression following stressful events
- Fully adjustable ergonomic console stations that can be adjusted to meet the needs of individual dispatchers
- Fully redundant building systems and weather-resistant design
Location: Palos Hills, IL
Project Completion: 2021
Project Size: 15,032 sf
Services: Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Programming