Hands-on learning | Health Sciences Building at Belmont University

Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn., will open a $30 million health sciences building this June. The building also will house the School of Physical Therapy and will include expansion space for the Schools of Nursing and Occupational Therapy, as well as the social work and psychology programs.

The 90,000-square-foot facility will emphasize integrated, hands-on experiential learning components, including a licensed campus pharmacy, which will provide services to students, faculty and staff while also serving as a training site for student pharmacists.

Of special note are the simulation labs, where students and community clinicians can practice skills either on actors who simulate patients or on high-tech manikins; this suite will encourage scenarios involving several health disciplines. In addition, faculty will have sophisticated labs set aside for research studies, and students can assist in these studies.

Among the sustainable features is the green roof, which is planned to mimic a cedar glade with a variety of plant life.

The building was designed by Earl Swensson Associates (Nashville, Tenn.), with construction by R.C. Mathews (Nashville).