University of Iowa
College of Nursing Building Modifications
A holistic design approach restores a healthy, connective environment to the College of Nursing that encourages students to lead health-centered lives
![College of Nursing Building Modifications](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/15064_00_college-of-nursing-building-modifications_id30493.jpg)
Information
- Location Iowa City, Iowa
- Size 44,000 SF
- Completion 2019
- Services Learning
- Project Type Health Sciences
Built in 1971, this brutalist concrete mid-century modern structure was a powerful architectural statement, but over time, the spaces inside became programmatically inefficient for the University of Iowa College of Nursing’s evolving needs. BNIM’s design modifications focused on creating an inviting environment for new nursing students and visitors from across campus, supporting active learning and modern health science pedagogical objectives, and enabling the College to move seamlessly into the future of healthcare and the forefront of nursing education. Spaces within the renovation include active learning classrooms, an entry lobby, offices, the dean’s suite, student commons, a diversity resource center, a student success center, and administration spaces. BNIM’s reorganization of the building encouraged interaction between students and faculty and aimed to meet the needs of the evolving interdisciplinary pedagogy through creating flexible, open spaces for students to come together.
Impact + Innovation
The modifications focus on a ‘long life, loose fit’ approach for a flexible and forward-looking learning environment. Eight of nine classrooms include AV systems to support an active learning format, including remote student integration. Additionally, walls are rearranged with floor to ceiling glass partitions for lab and classroom spaces to allow for natural daylight into nearly all occupiable spaces. A previous loop corridor on the perimeter of the interior left the building’s classroom, lab, and office spaces relegated to the building core, windowless and with little to no access to natural daylight. For the renovation, the design team focused on the introduction of natural light back into the building to inspire active learning and reconnecting with the University community. The South Terrace of the building was also renovated for access from the ground floor of the Nursing Building with the goal to expand the student commons spaces to the underutilized aged patio and enhance connections to nature.
![College of Nursing Building Modifications](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/15064_00_college-of-nursing-building-modifications_id30497.jpg)
People
Team
- Rod Kruse
- Sarah Hirsch
- Tom Feldmann
- April Durham
- Barrett Petterson
- Jennifer Ross Buck
- Paul Kempton
Client
The University of Iowa
![College of Nursing Building Modifications](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/15064_00_college-of-nursing-building-modifications_id30500.jpg)
Media
News
![College of Nursing Building Modifications](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/15064_00_college-of-nursing-building-modifications_id30504.jpg)
Awards
AIA Iowa
Merit Award
2020
AIA Kansas City
Citation Award
2019
![College of Nursing Building Modifications](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/15064_00_college-of-nursing-building-modifications_id30502.jpg)