The notion of open learning environments in higher education is trending, leading to the design of more collegiate buildings worldwide that are meant to remove barriers between students, faculty and disciplines.
Arizona State University’s Health Futures Center riffs on this popular design and educational idea, aiming to be a connecting place for interdisciplinary innovation, research, and medical simulation. Ground recently was broken on the facility, which is located adjacent to the Mayo Clinic campus, in northeast Phoenix.
The $80 million health care services facility will have a flexible framework, meant to support research and collaboration between the Mayo Clinic and ASU. The 142,000 SF building project’s groundbreaking was in April 2019; it is expected to be completed by late 2020. It is the first building on a new campus for ASU.
The building is meant to bring together the university’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation, College of Health Solutions, and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, together with some shared programs of the Mayo Clinic.
The project was designed by CO Architects and DFDG Architects. CO Architects has expertise in developing such “hybrid” learning environments as is planned for the ASU facility.
“Our goal with ASU’s Health Futures Center is to create opportunities that maximize interdisciplinary collaboration and research in partnership with Mayo Clinic Phoenix, to help meet the mission of improving health outcomes,” says Jennifer Knudsen, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal at CO Architects. “Our team designed the building to support a range of evolving interdepartmental research activities, industry partnerships, and teaching models through flexible, innovation-ready spaces.”
The under-construction building’s planned trapezoid façade is meant to decrease glaring from sun exposure on the structure’s east and west sides.
See Also: Sail on, Royal Caribbean: HOK-designed headquarters celebrates cruise ship industry
To speed work on the aggressively scheduled project, the CO/DFDG team collaborated with DPR Constriction’s pre-construction team, by way of the construction Manager at Risk method. The collaboration spawned a predictive cost-analysis tool, helping the project’s stakeholders prioritize needs and wants before the schematic design phase. This approach enabled the teams to design a building that fit needs and desires, and which will be within budget.
Through using Dassault Systemes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, the project’s designers streamlined and simplified the visual representation of the building’s complex geometry, enabling stakeholders to understand the structure’s design benefits.
CO Architects is the design architect, master planner, simulation planner, interior designer and laboratory planner for the building. DFDG is the project’s executive architect. DPR Construction is general contractor, ASE is serving as the structural engineer, Wood Patel is civil engineer, Jeremiah Associates, LLC, is performing AV/IT and acoustical, AEI Affiliated Engineers, Inc. is MEP engineer, and Floor Associates is performing landscape work on the project.
Related Stories
Healthcare Facilities | Sep 16, 2016
Healthcare architect turned patient: What I learned when admitted to a facility I helped design
Discovering new ways design can—and can’t—improve the patient experience.
Healthcare Facilities | Sep 14, 2016
Details of the largest healthcare construction project in North America revealed by CannonDesign and NEUF architect(e)s
The project will combine three aging hospitals into one complex.
Healthcare Facilities | Sep 7, 2016
The merger of physical healthcare and digital care: Why is it important?
As healthcare costs continue to increase, operators are exploring new delivery models and social platforms to personalize the provision of healthcare services. These companies are pouring resources into this field to create more personalized, secure, and affordable health and wellness options.
Healthcare Facilities | Sep 6, 2016
Chicago Faucets releases white paper: Reducing the risk of HAIs in healthcare facilities
The white paper discusses in detail four options used to mitigate transmission of waterborne bacteria
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 30, 2016
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is making large strides
A typical PACE center is comprised of a fully functioning and equipped primary care clinic, adult day center and rehabilitation therapy gym.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
GBBN designers take on wellness research
In a new research paper, three healthcare specialists present factors that contribute to a psychological state that is receptive to healing.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Reusable infection control barriers ease hospital renovation
Clark Construction Group pilots the Edge Guard system on the Fair Oaks (Va.) Hospital reconstruction project.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Mobile emergency room arrives just in time for Alabama hospital
The MED-1 Mobile Hospital Unit serves as a lower-cost solution during construction of new ED.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Virtual care facility serves remote patients, may reduce readmissions
Mercy’s new high-tech medical center equips its medical professionals to deliver care at the bedside of patients anywhere.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
11 great solutions for the commercial construction market
A roll-up emergency department, next-gen telemedicine center, and biophilic cooling pods are among the AEC industry’s clever ideas and novel innovations for 2016.