In Their Own Words

Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College

Advancing to top-tier status among Nursing Schools

Replacing the outdated facilities of the Barnes-Jewish College of Nursing (their first new building in 80 years) was imperative to achieving specific goals: advancing the college's ranking to the top tier of nursing schools nationwide; attracting prominent faculty; and enhancing skills training to meet the highest clinical practice standards. In designing the new building, it was important to provide a prominent image for the Goldfarb School of Nursing within the Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital medical complex. The 105,000 sf building contains classrooms, auditoriums, student gathering areas, clinical skills and research labs, and faculty offices. Six simulation labs feature the latest in hospital technology so that teaching reflects real-world hospital experience. Integrating this technology with the structure and HVAC within the diverse educational spaces required an innovative and collaborative design approach.

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Size: 105,000 sf
Status: Completion 2007
Associate Architect: Ayers/Saint/Gross
Awards: 2007 Construction Industry Best Practice Award, Honorable Mention, St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers; 2008 Project Achievement Award for New Construction under $30 Million, Construction Management Association of America

<p>The five-story, L-shaped building expresses its programmatic elements through bold forms and elevations, with highly visible facades and signage facing three major streets.</p>

The five-story, L-shaped building expresses its programmatic elements through bold forms and elevations, with highly visible facades and signage facing three major streets.

<p>The three-story main lobby is a light-filled space warmed by wood paneled walls. The atrium stair links the three academic floors.</p>

The three-story main lobby is a light-filled space warmed by wood paneled walls. The atrium stair links the three academic floors.

<p>The commons off the main lobby offers a comfortable space for informal learning and collaboration. An indoor-outdoor cafeteria and Starbucks are featured within this area.</p>

The commons off the main lobby offers a comfortable space for informal learning and collaboration. An indoor-outdoor cafeteria and Starbucks are featured within this area.

<p>A state-of-the-art Critical Care Lab simulates an ICU but has dedicated classroom space. Five other simulation labs include a Maternal Child Lab, Anesthesia/OR Lab, Outpatient Lab, and Exam Room Labs.</p>

A state-of-the-art Critical Care Lab simulates an ICU but has dedicated classroom space. Five other simulation labs include a Maternal Child Lab, Anesthesia/OR Lab, Outpatient Lab, and Exam Room Labs.

<p>This Anesthesia/OR lab features the latest technology in patient simulation to mimic a patient's reactions to anesthesia and other drugs. Teachers behind a one-way window monitor the robot's vital signs via computer.</p>

This Anesthesia/OR lab features the latest technology in patient simulation to mimic a patient's reactions to anesthesia and other drugs. Teachers behind a one-way window monitor the robot's vital signs via computer.

<p>Two 200-seat auditoriums and tiered seminar rooms facilitate learning, including one room outfitted for distance learning.</p>

Two 200-seat auditoriums and tiered seminar rooms facilitate learning, including one room outfitted for distance learning.

<p>The modern building is set off from its urban surroundings by a student quadrangle containing an open green, outdoor cafe, and intimate seating areas.</p>

The modern building is set off from its urban surroundings by a student quadrangle containing an open green, outdoor cafe, and intimate seating areas.

<p>During the planning process, Christner assessed 13 sites in regard to visibility, zoning, proximity, and cost and helped evaluate the project budget and funding.</p>

During the planning process, Christner assessed 13 sites in regard to visibility, zoning, proximity, and cost and helped evaluate the project budget and funding.

<p>Christner's landscape architects created this walled courtyard space with tiered, ampitheater-like seating, a walking garden, and ornamental entry created of limestone columns.</p>

Christner's landscape architects created this walled courtyard space with tiered, ampitheater-like seating, a walking garden, and ornamental entry created of limestone columns.