The University of South Carolina (USC; Columbia, S.C.) embarked on a process to seek approval, design, plan, and program a new student Center for Health and Well-Being. The project team, including Perkins+Will, Inc. (design architect) and Quackenbush Architects + Planners (architect of record; Columbia), utilized evidenced-based design strategies to inspire an integrated structure for delivering high-quality, patient-centered services.
USC consolidated wellness, prevention, advocacy, and comprehensive patient care functions in one centrally located building complex to create an approachable student health center. Clinics for general medicine, women’s care, sports medicine/orthopedics, allergy, and immunization are included in the new building, along with ancillary support spaces such as radiography and consulting offices for nutrition, counseling, wellness, and psychiatric services.
The design incorporates special emphasis on waiting spaces and zones that can provide space for stress management, relaxation, and respite. Through the use of color, imagery, and printed word, a branded environments strategy promotes intuitive wayfinding that guides users to clinics, with public areas provided to weave wellness and health education opportunities throughout.
Project details:
Facility name: Center for Health and Well-Being
Location: Columbia, S.C.
Completion date: December 2016
Owner: University of South Carolina
Total building area: 69,000 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: $21 million
Cost/sq. ft.: $304
Architecture firm: Perkins+Will, Inc. (design architect), Quackenbush Architects + Planners (architect of record)
Interior design: Perkins+Will, Inc.
Contracting: Rodgers Builders
Engineering: RMP Engineering (MEP Engineer), Miles Engineer (FP Engineer), Johnson & King Engineers (structural engineer). RB Todd Consulting Engineers (civil engineer)
