The Thompson Center: Healthcare Design Expertise

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University of Missouri

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Columbia, Missouri

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75,000 SF

This rendering offers a wider view of the Thompson Center's entrance approach, showcasing the harmonious integration of architecture and landscape design. A gently curving walkway leads visitors through carefully planned green spaces with varying textures and colors of vegetation, creating a sensory-rich yet calming journey to the building. The modern structure features a distinctive warm wooden canopy above expansive windows, balanced with white brick elements. The design incorporates multiple seating areas and gathering spaces along the path, encouraging social interaction while providing quiet moments for respite. People of various ages are shown throughout the space—some walking, others sitting or conversing—reflecting the center's inclusive, family-centered approach to autism and neurodevelopmental services.

This rendering depicts an interior therapy space at the Thompson Center designed specifically for children with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions. The room features thoughtful sensory elements including a suspended platform swing, soft cloud-like acoustic panels hanging from the ceiling, and a soothing blue floor with gentle circular patterns. Natural elements are incorporated through wooden wall decorations resembling trees and large windows providing views to the outdoor therapeutic garden. The space balances structured areas with flexible seating options, including built-in wooden benches, soft pillows, and child-sized stools. Adults and children are shown engaged in various therapeutic activities within this calming, purposefully designed environment that supports different sensory needs while facilitating interaction between clinicians, caregivers, and children.

This rendering provides an aerial view of the Thompson Center's central courtyard playground, showcasing how the building wraps around this protected therapeutic outdoor space. The design features distinct activity zones with purple and green surfacing that create visual organization while supporting different types of play and sensory experiences. Key elements include climbing structures, swings, hammocks, and various tactile play features, all thoughtfully arranged to allow for both active engagement and quieter sensory experiences. The surrounding two-story building with its neutral color palette and strategic window placement provides both shelter and supervision opportunities, while allowing natural light into interior spaces. Careful landscaping with ornamental grasses and flowering plants creates natural boundaries and sensory interest, all contained within a secure perimeter fence. This design exemplifies how therapeutic environments can be integrated into healthcare facilities for children with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions.

This rendering showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor therapeutic playground at the Thompson Center, featuring a modern, sensory-rich environment with distinct activity zones. The space includes colorful circular turf areas, purple rubber surfacing, and white pathways that create an organized yet playful flow. Various sensory elements include wooden tactile posts, musical instruments, and a central circular seating area beneath a shade structure. Children are shown engaging with different play elements while the modern white brick building of the center provides a calm backdrop. The playground is bordered by strategic plantings and a fence with views to surrounding trees, creating a secure yet open environment specifically designed to support therapeutic play for children with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions.

This rendering depicts a thoughtfully designed sensory garden at the Thompson Center, featuring colorful striped hammocks suspended between wooden posts on a manicured lawn. The space is sheltered by mature shade trees and bordered by vibrant purple and white flowering plants. A figure stands in the middle of this therapeutic outdoor environment, which is enclosed by a black fence providing safety while maintaining views to the surrounding landscape. The garden appears designed to offer calming sensory experiences, relaxation spaces, and connection with nature—elements particularly beneficial for individuals with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions. The

Rendering of the outdoor therapeutic play area at the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment, featuring colorful, textured surfaces, inclusive play equipment like a green-framed swing, and sensory-friendly elements such as musical instruments and natural plantings. Children and adults are interacting in the space, which is designed to support sensory engagement and social development. The modern two-story facility with large windows and wood panel accents serves as a backdrop.

The Thompson Center at the University of Missouri, with BSA serving as the project’s Healthcare Architect and Planner, will provide 75,000 SF of new dedicated clinical and research space for the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment. This new construction is designed to expand clinical services for individuals affected by autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. It will also enhance research capabilities and provide integrated training opportunities for professionals. These improvements aim to support individuals, families, and communities impacted by these conditions. As a result, the Center will advance its mission through world-class programs that integrate research, clinical service delivery, education, and public policy.

SFS Architecture is the Architect of Record, leading the overall project delivery. BSA has partnered as the Healthcare Architect and Planner. We bring deep expertise in healthcare facility design, ensuring the building effectively supports complex clinical, research, and training functions.

The facility will include expanded clinic areas and purpose-built observation spaces for enhanced research. It will also feature flexible training environments for both internal providers and external professionals. These spaces, thoughtfully designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and improve patient and provider experience, support the evolving needs of the Thompson Center and pediatric care teams.

When completed, the new Thompson Center will be a critical resource for autism and pediatric care. The center unites clinical innovation, research excellence, and community-focused design.

Credit for renderings: SFS Architecture

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Disciplines

Architecture, Planning

Project Contact

Matthew Jeans

The Thompson Center: Healthcare Design Expertise

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