Page 34 - College Planning & Management, June 2018

Facility Focus MEDICAL AND HEALTHCARE EDUCATION
Biola University
The Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health
FACING STRONG GROWTH in all of its health and science programs, historically liberal
arts-focused Biola University in La Mirada, CA, launched its largest capital improve- ment project to date—the Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health—a single building, creatively planned to leverage limited physical and financial resources, to house multiple un- dergraduate programs under one roof.
With the goal of successfully combining a varied set of users into the 91,000-square-foot science building, the Gensler design team partnered with university facilities leader- ship to conduct an extensive programming phase to ensure the right mix was achieved and the goals and aspirations of each would
be met. Through this user engagement and a high-performance focused design a unique synergy was achieved, creating new learning opportunities and encouraging the cross- disciplinary interaction and exchange of ideas. Breakout areas, hallways, and confer- ence rooms emulate the desirable amenities found in co-working spaces. Students in healthcare trajectories mingle with com- puter science majors and those in biological research and the physical sciences.
To meet site and budget constraints, Gensler developed a highly efficient four- story plan that reduced costs and allowed for greater flexibility and future recon- figuration through modular lab spaces. Bespoke teaching laboratories ring the pe- rimeter while research labs with extensive
glazing occupy the core, visually connected to vibrant collaboration areas and circula- tion. The objective was to enhance interest and thus interaction by making visible the widest possible range of study within the various programs. In contrast, a few spe- cial labs provide a totally immersive expe- rience, transporting students into a clinical environment. A multi-bay human anatomy suite balances respectful concealment with generous daylighting. An expansive nurs- ing lab is the pride of the nursing program, providing immersion through both the architecture of the space and state-of- the-art simulation mannequins. Finally, classrooms in the new facility are sized and configured to enable faculty to test emerg- ing models of active learning. CPM
34 COLLEGE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / JUNE 2018
WEBCPM.COM
PHOTOS © GENSLER / RYAN GOBUTY