{"id":11191,"date":"2024-12-23T08:52:10","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T13:52:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/slamcoll.com\/?post_type=sub151_project&p=11191"},"modified":"2026-01-21T14:27:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T19:27:32","slug":"duquesne-university-osteopathic-medicine","status":"publish","type":"sub151_project","link":"https:\/\/slamcoll.com\/portfolio\/duquesne-university-osteopathic-medicine\/","title":{"rendered":"Duquesne University"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
INSIGHT<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

In 2018, Duquesne University identified a pressing global healthcare challenge and set forth on a journey to address it. Through a meticulous institutional master plan, the school laid the groundwork for what would become a groundbreaking College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM).<\/p>\n

By July of the following year, the vision began to take shape as SLAM was engaged to bring this ambitious project to life. With the official announcement of the COM, Duquesne moved swiftly to appoint a founding dean and initiate faculty recruitment, setting the stage for a robust institution.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n
\n
SOLUTION<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Understanding the rigorous requirements for accreditation, the team developed a comprehensive schedule that encompassed due diligence, site acquisition, accreditation submissions, city\/zoning permits, construction, and eventually student enrollment. However, as the world faced an unprecedented global pandemic less than a year later, the University and the design team were confronted with unforeseen challenges.<\/p>\n

Demonstrating remarkable agility and strategic foresight, the team navigated these challenges, ultimately leading to the successful accreditation of the new College of Osteopathic Medicine within its original parameters.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n
\n
\n
\n \"Duquesne <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

Using SLAM\u2019s advanced benchmarking tools and focusing on COCA Accreditation requirements, the design team developed a clever approach to programming, making the most of existing campus spaces to meet the needs of the new College of Osteopathic Medicine. This approach included renovating and repurposing current campus areas to create facilities for gross anatomy, a medical library, and large classrooms\/event spaces. Addressing pandemic-related issues and spreading essential medical school programs across the campus helped form a dedicated healthcare education precinct. This thoughtful planning not only optimized available space, but also reinforced Duquesne\u2019s commitment to connectivity and a cohesive learning environment.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n
\n
\n
\n \"Duquesne <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

Team stewardship and proactive communication, throughout the process, ensured that the community and stakeholders were well-informed and supportive of this new resource getting underway. This support allowed the project to accelerate in an expedited manner.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
IMPACT<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n \n
\n
\n
\n \"Duquesne
\n

Strategically positioned along Forbes Avenue alongside other educational institutions, Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh, the building acts as a bridge between campus and the city, contributing to the Forbes Avenue transformation initiative<\/a>. This series of development and infrastructure projects aimed at revitalizing sections of the avenue, making it more safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \"Duquesne
\n

The modern architecture incorporates traditional materials, such as campus-matching brick and dark metal panels to reflect Pittsburgh\u2019s industrial heritage, while complementing the urban fabric of the surrounding community. Sweeping transparent glass fa\u00e7ades set back from the street showcase learning activities during the day and illuminate the streetscape at night, reinforcing openness and connection to the wider neighborhood. The newly landscaped garden in front creates long awaited public space that offers seating and allows for this project to be welcoming and porous to the rest of the community.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"\u201c\"\n\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

\n The College of Osteopathic Medicine is more than just a building \u2013 it\u2019s a symbol of growth and possibility on Forbes Ave. and downtown Pittsburgh. By creating a space that inspires learning and connection, and is authentic, it helps breathe new life into the area and support the neighborhood\u2019s vision for a thriving, revitalized city core. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

\n
\n Neil Martin, AIA <\/div>\n
\n Principal, Design Architect <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \"\u201d\"\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n