The building has a rhythm of long narrow curtain wall slots and an open loggia on the first floor defining a new campus green creating a link back to the main campus. The design reflects the brick and arched loggias of the existing campus architecture.

A stone labyrinth provides a meditative retreat from the stressors of the high-caliber academic programs, and a stamped concrete loggia with measured markings supports outdoor Physical Therapy. Tables and wall seating along a plaza are situated to support seated gardening, and gathering.

The glass and stone commons on the corner serves as a beacon/gateway from the city. The two-story clear space provided an opportunity for an architecturally exposed structural steel column allowing for open views of the new campus green site design at a glass corner of the space.

The city side is defined by aluminum panels and a framed box that contains all the learning spaces. This gives the facility a contemporary expression as you approach from the city showcasing the new campus direction.

The timeless interior pays homage to Springfield’s rich industrial history of innovation, ingenuity and ‘firsts.’ Minimalistic and refined architectural elements are thoughtfully balanced together with exposed structural elements, natural wood and rich textures set against a neutral sophisticated color palette.

The Simulation Center located at the second floor landing includes inpatient and outpatient settings with training space for “Standardized Patients” – community members who provide training to PA students by recounting medical histories and symptoms to prepare learners for clinical care.

A Mat Table/Cardio Lab and mock apartment called the “Activities of Daily Living Suite” are regularly utilized by learners who host stroke recovery groups to provide necessary therapy to those in the community who need it, while also preparing students for their future in clinical and home health settings.

Three generators were set in place to assure uninterrupted power for data.

The Tier 3 data center need 2 separate power sources that crossed major city streets. Generator power was also imperative.

The new Campus Square and Streetscape will transform the center of the campus with a plaza at the intersection of Aspetuck Avenue and Elkington Farm Road. Improved paving, curbing, street lighting, banners and sidewalks clearly define a welcoming sense of arrival, while taking advantage of the spectacular views to the west.

The Commons serves the entire Canterbury Community for a wide variety of functions, from early morning gatherings at the cafe,
to after dinner and study hall, to alumni and trustee events.

The expansive interior glass walls of the Commons brings abundant natural light into the space and opens up dramatic views to the Housatonic Range and beyond.

The addition of a new art gallery as part of the Hume Hall Renovation will create an engaging, light-filled space, showcasing student artwork, while simultaneously enhancing the exterior image of the building from Aspetuck Avenue.

Renovation of the Maguire Auditorium includes new seating, flooring, and improved lighting and acoustic finishes, dramatically enhancing the space’s look and function. The Auditorium is central to campus life and one of the first spaces that prospective families visit when they tour the campus.

Floor Plan Before

First Floor Plan After :

The building structure presented natural breaks in the overall floor plate identified as zones. The design clusters formal conference rooms in the core along with other hard wall program components. Open work settings are focused along the perimeter to take full advantage of daylight and views. Informal collaborative areas are developed along the building concourse, naturally lit by skylights, offering a variety of settings including a café on the south side of both floors.

Second Floor Plan After :

Neighborhoods or hubs are assigned for each of the business units occupying the building. The hubs include any specialty requirements for the business units such as files, reference materials and areas for administrative staff (the only colleagues with assigned space in the building). Parking spaces for mobile file pedestals, to be assigned to each colleague, were planned to park along the perimeter. The overall design accommodates 1598 staff in 1191 individual work settings, provides 666 informal collaborative seats and 676 formal collaborative seats for a total of 2450 choices in work settings.

The atrium is used for multipurposes, serving as an organizational element around which all classrooms and labs are arranged.

“The Egg”, an elliptical-shaped volume containing various spaces centralized for use by all grades, subdivides the triple height atrium.

A real ambulance provides a virtual environment for future Emergency Response Technicians.

General academic classrooms are all designed to support active learning for the core courses required of every student. These spaces are flexible both in configuration and technology to support various pedagogies and learning styles.

Colored stairwells enhance wayfinding and provide structure, aligning each program’s focus with the physical environment.

High ceilings with light monitors bring natural light into the depth of the space.

The facility’s Mondrian exterior glazing pattern affords abundant natural light; easy and convenient accessibility to staff and support services; and a calm, healing environment.

A covered drive-up entrance receives patients and dedicated on-site parking offers privacy and convenience during their visit.

The lobby’s wood finishes and uplifting graphics create comfort for new and returning patients.

Medical and radiation oncology spaces are accessed off either side of the central area for easy access to the primary patient areas.

Waiting areas, patient exam rooms flow from one to another in a warm and inviting experience.

The infusion suite is separated into two wings on the second floor which offer additional privacy while embracing a private rooftop healing garden. The healing garden creates an intimate connection between medical oncology and nature.

An exterior courtyard provides opportunity for large and small gatherings and contributes to the dialogue between interior and exterior activity in the building. The courtyard strengthens the connection between the existing Dining Hall, new green space, and the Arts & Community Center. The chimney form used to signify entry to the building is a nod to its residential context.

The new campus green is a level outdoor area for students to engage.

The interior of the Community Room is designed with a grand scale that accepts and invites, but with ‘nooks’ to gather intimately when small groups are desired.

Trees sourced from the site were harvested and repurposed in the space to create warmth and familiarity, like an old friend coming back to visit.

Geothermal system feeds a radiant floor slab to create warmth and comfort on cold days. Furniture can easily fit in nearby storage space to accommodate multiple community functions. Leather doors provide visual and tactile welcome to auditorium space and beyond.

A Community Space with operable wood partition creates flexibility for smaller scale functions and provides an additional learning/gathering space for use.

The large Gallery, separated by lockable glass doors provides a highly visible display of creative work by students, faculty, alumni and local artists.

A 415 seat, steep rake theater utilizes the hillside to reduce the scale of the building and nestle its large form into the historic context. Angled walls provide visual interest and improved acoustics.

Interconnectivity abounds in the Arts Corridor, truly serving as a vehicle for communication and collaboration. Natural light pours in from the large skylights and curtain walls. Exposed ceiling creates an open and funky atmosphere that encourages all to think outside the box.

Creative spaces are open and inclusive, utilizing barn doors to bring the learning into the corridor and vice versa.

The use of reclaimed wood inherent in laminated wood beams and flooring with recycled content and veneer materials create an appropriate setting for cancer care.

Radiation oncology’s semi-circular flow provides visibility of staff and privacy of patients.

Radiation oncology’s semi-circular flow provides visibility of staff and privacy of patients.

Large wooden beams span across the ceiling of medical oncology, connecting infusion bays and nursing stations to the garden. The ceiling between the beams rises to meet the exterior windows, maximizing the natural light to the area.

Large wooden beams span across the ceiling of medical oncology, connecting infusion bays and nursing stations to the garden. The ceiling between the beams rises to meet the exterior windows, maximizing the natural light to the area.