Written by Eric Althoff
LEXINGTON, Ky.—Project partners HOK, Turner Construction, and JRA Architects attended the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the University of Kentucky's new Health Education Building. The 500,000-square-foot building, located at the intersection of Hugele Avenue and University Avenue, will house the university's programs in nursing, health sciences and public health, as well as an interprofessional and community health education center.
The Health Education Building has two buildings, one with 8 floors and the other with 10 floors. In addition to classrooms and learning spaces, the building also features state-of-the-art simulation facilities that allow students to experience real-world medical scenarios. The building will feature brick and glass in the north wing and glass front to allow daylight into the south wing. Other architectural design elements include a “basketweave” façade and a glass lantern design on the northeast corner of the building.
When completed in 2026, the Health Education Building will be able to increase the number of students educated at the School of Medicine to 200 students per year, making it one of the largest medical programs in the United States. As the Bluegrass State continues to grapple with a shortage of health care workers, the College of Nursing will also double its enrollment and offer both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and advanced BSN programs. Meanwhile, the School of Health Sciences will offer programs in speech-language pathology, physical therapy, athletic training, and medical laboratory science to more than 400 students, while the School of Public Health will increase its student population by 30 percent in both graduate and graduate students. can be increased. Undergraduate Program.
The layout of the facility aims to foster collaboration between the various classrooms and learning spaces.
Funding for the $380 million construction project was approved by the Kentucky General Assembly last summer and approved by the UK Board of Regents.
“As a testament to our collaborative spirit, this one facility includes programs from four universities and an interprofessional and community health education center. We are committed to educating students for a new healthcare future. We will continue to work together through interdisciplinary efforts to attract and retain the best talent to advance Kentucky,” UK President Eli Capilouto said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “Our goal, our promise, is that when students complete these programs and enter the workforce, we will help them address today's complex challenges and help all Kentuckians live longer, healthier lives. to be fully prepared.”
“This is a great building for the university and the state, and the credit is due to the university's leadership, deans and staff,” said Eli Hoisington, co-CEO of HOK and design principal of the company's St. Louis studio. Event. “This has been one of the most collaborative and engaging processes our team has engaged in. When you look at our practices across the country, the scale and scope of what is happening here is unprecedented. Thing.”
Commenting on his company's selection as the general contractor, Turner executive David Opalka said the health education building will be a “world-class project” once completed.
“We look forward to helping the university expand its programs and achieve its vision of increasing the number of students prepared to meet the growing health care needs in Kentucky,” Opalka said of the company. stated on its website.
