The California University of Science and Medicine, located in San Bernardino County east of Los Angeles, has recently completed its new School of Medicine. The project is the first building and anchor of the university’s new Colton campus. HMC and SmithGroup collaborated on the project.
The three-story, 85,000-sf project features ample use of glass that allows natural light to flow through the building and create visual connections to nature. A two-story window overlooks the plaza and glass curtainwalls running the full height of the building in all four corner stairwells further this connection and create a lantern effect when illuminated at night.
Included in the School of medicine are lab and active learning classrooms; four simulation rooms, including an operating room; a standardized patient training suite; and multi-media systems that allow sessions with visiting speakers and prominent faculty to be recorded and streamed to other areas of the building.
A large plaza in front of the building connects to the Arrowhead Medical Center and fosters interaction between medical students and health practitioners. Two lecture halls open on to the plaza, which features ample seating, a shady tree grove, and a water feature to create pleasant study areas for study, socialization, and relaxation. The space can also host graduation ceremonies and other events.
HMC and SmithGroup’s design-build plan saved substantial time and money. The plan took cues from commercial building project and using a tilt-up concrete construction system and finishes that are more typically associated with office buildings. The project was completed nine months ahead of schedule and $1.5 million under budget.
Related Stories
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
| Jan 8, 2014
Strengthened sprinkler rules could aid push for mid-rise wood structures in Canada
Strengthened sprinkler regulations proposed for the 2015 National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) could help a movement to allow midrise wood structures.
Smart Buildings | Jan 7, 2014
9 mega redevelopments poised to transform the urban landscape
Slowed by the recession—and often by protracted negotiations—some big redevelopment plans are now moving ahead. Here’s a sampling of nine major mixed-use projects throughout the country.
| Dec 13, 2013
Safe and sound: 10 solutions for fire and life safety
From a dual fire-CO detector to an aspiration-sensing fire alarm, BD+C editors present a roundup of new fire and life safety products and technologies.
| Dec 10, 2013
16 great solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors
From a crowd-funded smart shovel to a why-didn’t-someone-do-this-sooner scheme for managing traffic in public restrooms, these ideas are noteworthy for creative problem-solving. Here are some of the most intriguing innovations the BD+C community has brought to our attention this year.
| Nov 27, 2013
Wonder walls: 13 choices for the building envelope
BD+C editors present a roundup of the latest technologies and applications in exterior wall systems, from a tapered metal wall installation in Oklahoma to a textured precast concrete solution in North Carolina.
| Nov 26, 2013
Construction costs rise for 22nd straight month in November
Construction costs in North America rose for the 22nd consecutive month in November as labor costs continued to increase, amid growing industry concern over the tight availability of skilled workers.
| Nov 25, 2013
Building Teams need to help owners avoid 'operational stray'
"Operational stray" occurs when a building’s MEP systems don’t work the way they should. Even the most well-designed and constructed building can stray from perfection—and that can cost the owner a ton in unnecessary utility costs. But help is on the way.
| Nov 15, 2013
Greenbuild 2013 Report - BD+C Exclusive
The BD+C editorial team brings you this special report on the latest green building trends across nine key market sectors.
