Recognized for its outstanding design, innovative response to an educational program, flexibility for community uses and implementation of sustainable practices, Edison State College Allen & Marla Weiss Health Sciences Hall received the “Best in Show” award in the college category at the Florida Educators and Facility Planners Association conference, held February 1-3, 2012.
The allied health building is a 44,000-square-foot classroom and lab building for Edison State College’s Collier County Campus. The primary purpose of the building is the training and preparation of nursing and applied sciences students.
The building is designed to reflect the latest technologies in nursing and applied sciences, and set the standard for advanced teaching philosophies.
“The campus is centered around a 2-story, informal learning environment axiomatically labeled ‘The Green Wedge,’ intended for unstructured student activities that best support the processes of learning,” said Michel Borg, associate principal and regional design director for HKS, Inc. “Movable seating and collaborative work spaces are provided at key points outside of and between the labs and classrooms.”
“Administrative and teacher offices are connected to the labs and classrooms by bridges passing through the common area,” Borg continued. “This promotes frequent teacher and student learning opportunities on an informal, relaxed level.”
In addition to instructional spaces, a free-standing auditorium provides expandable seating for large group programs.
A number of sustainable design elements are incorporated, such as a walkable green roof above the auditorium. Operable windows along the exterior façades allow for additional fresh air to move through the building, as well as assist in the passive air cooling during the more temperate months of the year. Low-flow water closets and regulated lavatories will reduce water consumption, and the increased natural daylight will reduce cooling loads. The college is investigating various federal grant programs to subsidize the installation of Photovoltaic panels on the roof and canopy to augment energy requirements. The center is built to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification.
The HKS Educational Group is a nationally prominent design studio known for delivering effective facility solutions with exceptional care and service. The group has completed major university projects throughout the United States. Working closely with stakeholders, HKS enhances campus stature, presence, and competitiveness through appealing learning environments that are supportive and meaningful to students, faculty, research partners and extended communities. HKS is ranked among the top five architectural/engineering firms, according to Building Design+Construction magazine, and operates from 29 U.S. and worldwide offices. For more information, visit www.hksinc.com.