Sharp Memorial Hospital Kearny Mesa

onion
A glass and metal monstrosity, a visual blight. Massive box with very little articulation, a 'bully' of a building.
Project Information
Project Address: 
7901 Frost Street, San Diego CA 92123
Project Owner/ Developer: 
Sharp Healthcare, Gibane Co. (General Contractor)
Owner Contact Name/ Email: 
Sharp Healthcare
Project Architect/ Designer: 
NBBJ
Image
sharpside2.jpg
SharpHospital_J.Close02.jpg
SharpHospital_J.Close01.jpg
Tags:

Comments:

Bad Entry Location

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 01/13/2009 - 16:35.
My main issue with the building is its arrogant main entry. It doesn't relate to hospital operations, functionality or patient circulation. All it addresses is the cars as they zoom by on the freeway. I think its an ill thought exclamation mark on a rather plain, unarticulated building that provides minimal design interest.

Where's the Aloha?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 11/12/2008 - 17:49.
It seems hard to justify that this building is in the running for an onion award. If I envisioned a high-tech hospital structure this sleek and open design is what I would picture. The building seems very inviting. Plus I’ve heard there are a couple different places near by that offer Hawaiian plate lunches. You can’t beat that for a great location!

Come on, its not that bad

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 23:39.
This building i thought was going to get an orchid. I see it every day and its better than the other surrounding hospital buildings. Should not be in this category

Sleek

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 02:27.
While not exactly 'pretty', it is an interesting building. I agree it's an appropriate building for high-technology healing and research. I think you missed the boat on this call, SDAF. It's not in the same league as these other monstrosities.

Hospital

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 11/03/2008 - 01:34.
This building is a monstrosity. I have to look at it every day. The curved line shouldn't be there, but if it has to be, it should sweep down and around and join the horizontal surface above the door. But it doesn't. There's a big post there holding things up - and blocking the door entryway. The sign is silver type on orange - practically unreadable. It's the ugliest most prominent nightmare of a building, plopped into the most incoherent assemblage of parking, clinics, etc. Sharp should be humiliated to have their name on it, and it certainly drives customers away

Look Deeper

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 11/09/2008 - 16:19.
How utterly short sighted. Look deeper. The design answers a remarkable challenge: Create and construct a technologically-advanced hospital on an almost impossible site; an L-shaped building literally wrapped around, and contiguous with, an existing 50-year-old structure. Rather than condemn the glass façade, it is important to understand that contemporary hospitals uses expansive windows to flood patient care areas with the healing power of natural light—an important aspect of modern medicine. Sharp and its designers should be applauded for an exterior concept focused on creating a healing environment inside. A first of its kind in San Diego.

What am I missing?

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 10/26/2008 - 17:45.
I'm just not seeing any reason for this to be nominated for an Onion.

I am shocked!!!

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 10/25/2008 - 05:06.
I can not believe this beautiful new hospital is on this list!!! WHO are the people who compose this list? I think it's very eye appealing!!!

Building Does Not Stink

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/14/2008 - 00:20.
This building does not deserve to be nominated in the onion category. It is actually a very well composed building that makes great use of modern materials to create a high tech image. I think this image is important for a hospital/medical building and is a reflection on the amazingly complex medical technology that it houses. If the nominator prefers to see doctors and receive treatment in poorly designed 1970s-80s style medical office buildings and hospitals, there are an abundance in the area to choose from...

I like the sleak look and

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 09/17/2008 - 17:15.
I like the sleak look and clean lines of the structure. I think it works well, especially as viewed from a car moving down the highway.

Sharp Healthcare building

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 09/18/2008 - 18:51.
I agree. The minimalist design works well for a hospital. The builidng also integrates well with the existing structures around it.

Sharp Healthcare Building

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 15:46.
Although this is not the worst of the onions, my one critique is of the curved tower. My first thought when I saw that tower was that it is reacting to a big dose of Viagra. Either that or the builders had a few too many "brewskis" for lunch and thought it would be a good joke.

the curve makes it!

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/21/2008 - 21:55.
I disagree. I've been watching the (drawn-out) construction of this building when I drive past it and the only way I knew it was recently finished was seeing the curve of metal. I almost stopped right on the freeway shoulder for a better look!