UNCG’s new 180,000 SF Nursing & Instructional Building provides state-of-the-art simulation, research, and classroom space for UNCG’s School of Nursing, the School of Health and Human Sciences, and the Biology and Chemistry departments. The student-focused architecture integrates best practices for a modern collaborative learning environment, while the building itself serves as a pedestrian connector via a grand internal stair between two campus nodes to improve campus circulation. The exterior materials palette of brick, glass, and metal panel complements the existing campus context, and the new site circulation pattern creates accessible pedestrian pathways. Inside, a five-story atrium visually connects the learning spaces, supporting multidisciplinary interaction and active student engagement.

The program includes classrooms that serve as both active learning and traditional lecture formats with integrated technology, as well as computer classroom; labs for nursing skills, general biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology instruction; multiple chemistry labs; the Nursing Dean’s office and other administrative spaces; a rooftop patio; and a flexible-use “stairitorium.” Multiple nursing simulation spaces provide mock clinical environments for hands-on training with high-tech mannequins, including simulated hospital beds with headwalls, patient exam tables, labor and delivery spaces, and home health settings which mirror apartments. A shared community engagement center encourages collaboration and interaction between the Schools of Nursing and Health and Human Sciences, housing additional simulation space and exam rooms which will be used for health screenings for the community. HHS research labs will host outside participants for research studies, and a large event space accommodates groups for trainings, job fairs, or other functions.

Associate Architect: SmithGroup