North Bay Medical Pavilion by Ratcliff Architecture

The North Bay Medical Center in Fairfield, CA underwent a $159 million renovation and expansion led by Ratcliff Architecture and Perkins Eastman (Associate Architects). This modernization project featured the addition of a North Wing, an expanded Emergency Department, and a new Welcome Pavilion. The North Wing included 22 state-of-the-art patient rooms, eight high-tech surgical suites, a 16- bed post-anesthesia care unit, diagnostic imaging facilities, central sterile services, and a new kitchen/café.

We photographed the project on two separate occasions, each offering its unique challenges and excitement. Typically, we shoot before the client moves into the space, which allows us to creatively simulate occupancy without it feeling too "lived-in." By incorporating flowers, lab coats, bedding, and hospital attire, we were able to evoke a realistic sense of what the space would feel like once fully operational.

The Welcome Pavilion's canopy beams taper as the roof extends outward and upward, creating a blade-like edge beyond the perimeter walls. Capturing this dramatic feature was particularly enjoyable, achieved from a ladder in the parking lot using a special tilt-shift lens.

The Pavilion's large windows allowed for an abundance of natural light, presenting both a stunning visual and unique challenges in post-production. The solar fins and motorized shading devices were instrumental in reducing glare across multiple exposures, maintaining a cool and airy atmosphere by minimizing solar heat gain.

During the shoot, we used black cards to reduce reflections on glass surfaces and added appropriate medical images to the screens of operating room equipment in post-production. Our models effectively conveyed movement in the photographs, bringing the space to life.

Working with Ratcliff Architecture is always a pleasure!