Clark Nexsen

Health And Human Sciences

Health And Human Sciences
© Mark Herboth

HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES

Clark Nexsen

ARCHITECTS
 Clark Nexsen

PHOTOGRAPHS
Mark Herboth

AREA
160000 ft²

DESIGNERS
Peyton Evert, LEED AP; Peyton Shumate, LEED AP BD+C; Mary Brehler, LEED AP

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
Cullowhee, United States

CATEGORY
University, Other Facilities

Text description provided by architect.

WCU’s Health and Human Sciences building is the first facility constructed as a part of the University’s Millennial Initiative, setting both aesthetic and planning directions for the new 344-acre campus.

Health And Human Sciences
© Mark Herboth
Health And Human Sciences
© Mark Herboth

The facility provides state-of-the-art learning environments for five departments and nine disciplines within the College. Nested into the mountainside, without immediate built context or relationship to the existing campus, the design is a direct response to both site and program.

The location and form of the building is defined by the site topography and solar orientation.

Mapping the topography and slopes defined buildable area limits that informed the project location and delineated its northernmost extents.

Health And Human Sciences
© Mark Herboth
Health And Human Sciences
© Mark Herboth

The southern boundary is defined by a natural basin, allowing for minimal impact of the building on the site and optimal solar orientation. The building nests between these elements, stepping back into the topography and conforming to the site.

An expansive roof garden replicates the form of the natural basin carved into the building footprint, restoring the natural environment and reinforcing the connection to the site.

Health And Human Sciences
© Mark Herboth
Health And Human Sciences
© Mark Herboth

The programmatic goal of inter-departmental collaboration drives the organization of the building in plan and section utilizing the ”Collaborative Center”, a multi-story atrium and technology resource center which connects all levels visually and functionally.

This unifying element promotes interaction and engagement throughout the building. The juxtaposition of disciplines facilitates an exchange of ideas supporting research and development and a more comprehensive student education.

Health And Human Sciences
© Mark Herboth
Health And Human Sciences
© Mark Herboth

Building technologies work in conjunction to reinforce opportunities for cross-pollination between departments.

Natural light is shared throughout the building, introduced through an expanse of south-facing atrium curtain wall and distributed to inner offices, corridors and small gathering areas through interior glazing.

Health And Human Sciences
© Mark Herboth
Health And Human Sciences
© Mark Herboth

Sunscreens provide greater thermal comfort by limiting direct solar exposure while providing desirable natural daylight to accommodate lighting needs.


Health And Human Sciences
1st Floor Plan
Health And Human Sciences
2nd Floor Plan
Health And Human Sciences
3rd Floor Plan
Health And Human Sciences
4th Floor Plan


Health And Human Sciences

Section
Health And Human Sciences
Site Plan

Clark Nexsen
T +1 757 4555800 F +1 757 4555638
Clark Nexsen
4525 Main St #1400, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, United States