Bowling Green State University sought to design and build its own lab facility for its Nursing Program in a single location within the former Business Administration Annex Building. The project involved the renovation of the building’s second and third floors to create modern nursing education facilities for a program that had, until then, sent its students to outside institutions to fulfill skills and simulation based training requirements.
Bostwick Design Partnership emphasized early decision-making tools to set the project on a well-informed course from the kickoff through design completion. An early opinion of probable cost modeled multiple construction scenarios based on available square footage and shell space, allowing the team and university to refine scope and align budget efficiently.
The program includes specialized learning environments such as Skills Labs, Competency Rooms, and an Open Practice Lab. The centerpiece of the facility is a suite of four Simulation Labs dedicated to maternity, pediatrics, adult care, and flexible use. The simulation labs are supported by dedicated control rooms and two debrief spaces, creating an immersive, team-based learning experience.
Results:
- Delivered centralized, state-of-the-art nursing education spaces within the Business Administration Annex.
- Implemented four advanced simulation labs with control rooms and debrief spaces to replicate real-world clinical scenarios.
- Established Skills Labs, Competency Rooms, and an Open Practice Lab to support hands-on learning and assessment.
- Created an early cost modeling strategy that focused scope and kept the project on achievable goals.
- Strengthened BGSU’s ability to prepare workforce-ready nursing graduates in a purpose-built, permanent home.
- Retained nursing students on campus and increased University income by eliminating facility sharing agreements with other institutions.
- Allowed for increased enrollment in nursing programs at BGSU beyond original projections, requiring additional expansion of lab facilities to meet demand.
