Wayne State University Medical Education Commons in Detroit, Michigan, United States

August 21, 2010 Category: Education, Public Buildings

Wayne State University Medical Education Commons, located in Detroit, Michigan, United States, designed by SHW Group has recently completed Wayne State University’s Richard J. Mazurek, M.D., Medical Education Commons, comprised of a 34,000 sq ft addition of the existing medical school facility and a 69,000 sq ft renovation of the existing Vera Parshall Shiffman Medical Library, both of which are connected via an elevated and enclosed walkway. Wayne State’s School of Medicine is the largest single-campus and third largest medical school in the USA. This three-storey complex creates a new image and identity for both the WSU School of Medicine and the Vera Parshall Shiffman Medical Library.

The new Medical Education Commons is the heart of the school and features ‘state-of-the-science’ technology. The addition creates a physical and programmatic bridge between the two component facilities and complements the urban fabric with a dynamic and enduring design. The facility includes a clinical skills center with four simulation labs, new computer labs and a testing center. Additional spaces include student services, classrooms, collaborative study areas and a ‘Super-Service’ desk for the public and students, as well as administrative offices and related support functions. The ‘FLEX’ classroom frames the new front door of the medical school. This highly collaborative learning environment is planned around a large, flexible open space with small breakout pods along the perimeter.

The Shiffman Medical Library renovation provides state-of-the-art library facilities for end users, staff and the collection. The library underwent extensive renovations and design planning to improve its overall performance, efficiency and ease of use.

Wayne State University Medical Education Commons Design by SHW Group