News Summary
Brown University has opened the Sternlicht Commons and Health and Wellness Center, its first new residence hall in 30 years. This innovative facility combines residential living with vital health services, promoting holistic student wellness. Designed by William Rawn Associates, the center features environmentally friendly materials and incorporates biophilic design principles. The project highlights Brown’s commitment to nurturing student health and well-being, with plans for more developments funded through community donations.
Providence, Rhode Island – Brown University has unveiled its new health and wellness facility, the Sternlicht Commons and Health and Wellness Center, marking the first addition of a residence hall on campus in 30 years. This building, designed to support holistic student well-being, integrates various essential health services and accommodations into one innovative structure.
The new facility is composed of two interconnected buildings. The North Building is designated for residential living, providing suite-style rooms across three levels, along with communal kitchens and lounge spaces. The South Building houses diverse health and wellness services, including Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, a pharmacy, and Brown Emergency Medical Services. Additionally, it features a bWell health promotion program space and pod-style rooms on the upper levels, promoting a comprehensive approach to student care.
This state-of-the-art building has been designed by William Rawn Associates, with structural engineering support from LeMessurier. Together, they have crafted a calming environment using a warm combination of timber and glass. Floor-to-ceiling windows not only help illuminate the interior but also offer picturesque views of Pembroke Field that enhance the overall mood and well-being of its occupants.
The construction of the health and wellness center prominently features cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, chosen for their aesthetic and ecological merits. The ceilings are left exposed to reduce finishes while enhancing the warmth of the atmosphere. This effective use of CLT demonstrates biophilic design principles by connecting occupants with nature. The project aligns with sustainability goals and complies with the SE 2050 Commitment Program by the American Society of Civil Engineers, highlighting the environmental benefits associated with timber.
The building’s structural method employs a hybrid design of timber and steel, optimizing construction processes without necessitating variances from building codes. The first two levels utilize lightweight concrete placed on a metal deck to maintain a two-hour fire-rated separation between the residential and health service areas. Shawmut Design and Construction steered the fast-tracked design-build project, utilizing prefabricated CLT panels produced by Nordic Structures that measure up to 51 feet long, further enhancing efficiency and reducing construction waste.
The dedication of the Sternlicht Commons and Health and Wellness Center underscores Brown University’s commitment to creating a nurturing environment for student health and wellness. This facility is expected to provide students with access to necessary health resources, promote mental well-being, and foster community through communal living spaces.
As part of its ongoing development, Brown University has plans for other significant projects on campus, including a new admissions welcome center and strategic developments in Simmons Quad. All future initiatives are funded through donations, showcasing the community’s support for enhancing educational spaces that benefit students.
With the introduction of the Sternlicht Commons and Health and Wellness Center, Brown University sets a standard for holistic health facilities in higher education, aiming to support the diverse needs of its student body in a modern, sustainable manner.
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Additional Resources
- School Construction News: Glass and Timber Reflect the Outdoors Within at Brown University Health and Wellness Center
- Brown Daily Herald: University Announces New Admissions Welcome Center
- ENR: Excellence in Sustainability at Brown University Brook Street Residence Hall
- Wikipedia: Brown University
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- Google Search: Brown University News
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