To help meet growing demand for breast cancer detection services in the community, IU Health engaged Schmidt Associates to design a new breast MRI suite within an existing medical office building. The planned space will convert a former conference room into a dedicated imaging suite, specifically tailored to serve women’s health needs. As existing facilities were frequently fully scheduled, the goal was to add capacity while maintaining IU Health’s high-quality standards. Designing a full MRI suite in a functioning, highly visible building posed several challenges—including maintaining department operations during construction and navigating complex under-slab plumbing requirements—all while delivering a seamless patient experience.
Schmidt Associates approached the design with a deep understanding of both healthcare environments and the technical demands of MRI systems. Key design solutions included routing a quench vent up five stories to safely discharge gases well above building elements, placing a new chiller on an adjacent roof, and reinforcing the floor slab to support the weight of the MRI. Our team also developed a specialized wall assembly—using layers of wood, metal, and copper shielding—to ensure proper magnetic containment without interfering with the building’s structure. By anticipating every detail, from equipment delivery logistics to shielding coordination, IU Health will soon have a future-ready imaging suite designed to meet both patient needs and operational excellence.
