Recently completed Wayne State University Medical Education Commons
SHW Group designed the $35 million project, which is seeking LEED Silver certification
DETROIT, October 7, 2009 - SHW Group has recently completed Wayne State University’s Richard J. Mazurek, M.D., Medical Education Commons, comprised of a 34,000-square-foot addition of the existing medical school facility and a 69,000-square-foot 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 nation. This three-story 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.
At the June 5, 2009, grand opening, Robert Frank, M.D., executive vice dean of the medical school, said, “There is no finer, contemporary state-of-the-science medical education facility than the Mazurek. We will train more and better physicians because of it. And we will do so in a facility that is aesthetically pleasing and friendly to the environment. This building is full of glass and light and says welcome to the community of scholars, physicians, students and patients.”
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.
Remarked Sandra Yee, dean of university libraries for Wayne State University, “The Mazurek Medical Education Commons has provided the WSU library system with the opportunity to create a 21st century medical library that will anticipate and meet the needs of our users. We are thrilled to be able to open the doors to this new and comprehensive information resource.”
The project possesses many sustainable features, including the use of energy-efficient HVAC equipment, CFC-free refrigerants, low-water-use plumbing fixtures, high-efficiency lighting and commissioning, and it is seeking LEED silver certification.
“The Education Commons project complements the urban fabric with its dynamic and enduring design,” said Janice Suchan, principal in charge of the project for SHW Group.
ABOUT SHW GROUP
SHW Group, LLC a Michigan-based architectural and engineering firm is one of the state’s leading educational design firms. More than just an A/E firm, the company is known for its comprehensive collaboration with educators, and researchers to design innovative facilities that support the learning process. For more information, please visit www.shwgroup.com.
ABOUT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students. For more information, visit www.wayne.edu.
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Media Contacts: Claire Bloxom
claire@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191
Nicole Traycoff
ntraycoff@shwgroup.com, (214) 473-2424
