When Dean Sheldon Fields joined School of Health Professions (SHP) last January, the need for a new building became a top priority. Soon after, he conferred with School of Architecture and Design (SoAD) Dean Maria Perbelli, about having her students design the future building as their senior project. After SHP faculty, staff and students were invited to give input and their “wish list” of features, SoAD students quickly got to work. Over the last few weeks, we at SHP were invited to view architectural plans and models that are the culmination of the first phase of this initiative.

All SoAD designs strove to incorporate health and wellness promotion to enhance the experience for those frequenting or visiting the new building. Students in Prof. Giuseppe Fallacara’s class worked in groups while Associate Dean Robert Cody’s class worked individually to create unique buildings based on concepts inspired by others but with their own original interpretations. Designs included a building in the shape of a snail and one covered in leaf-like structures that change colors with the seasons. Other outstanding designs included a “Structural Forest” with gardens and greenery within the building while another cocoon-type design allowed the existing 500 building to continue operating while the new structure would be built around it. The projects allowed for lots of light, integration with the larger campus and areas for large and small groups to meet for academic and social purposes. In the next phase during the spring semester, more detail will be added. All at SHP look forward to once again being wowed by the creativity and originality reflected in this project and of course, one day actually being in this building.