Penn State University expanded its teaching capacity with the creation of new nursing education spaces at the Penn State Behrend Campus. The nursing skills and simulation labs are the fundamental hands-on learning environments for training students in the critical skills that will position them to fill the important roles nurses perform in our society.
Two existing areas within the Benson and Nick buildings were renovated as part of this project. The existing Benson spaces are approximately 1,950 SF and required the demolition of four existing rooms. These spaces served as the combined skills and simulation laboratories for the university. The Nick space is approximately 1,400 SF and previously served as a computer lab. Three Sim Labs rooms and three Control rooms were constructed within the existing Nick space. Both renovation areas required new floor, ceiling, and wall finishes, millwork, as well as electrical and lighting improvements.
This project had a very condensed design schedule as well as construction schedule. Our design team held collaboration meetings weekly to review the design, coordinate the simulation equipment, discuss issues, and quickly come to a resolution. We were able to complete the design documents a week ahead of schedule and we were also able to get L&I approval within one week.
