Rutgers University: School of Nursing & Science Building

Rutgers University: School of Nursing & Science Building:
A Case Study

Camden, NJ

A powerful symbol of Rutgers University’s world class education, this innovative learning environment for future nursing and science professionals also serves as a catalyst for growth in the City of Camden.

The Rutgers University School of Nursing & Science Building embodies the goal of a renewed Camden. Its prominent location downtown and bold design inspires engagement among students and the community. The transparent façade showcases the activity happening inside on the light-filled “student street,” projecting vibrancy and visually connecting to the adjacent light-rail station. Learning spaces include active-learning classrooms, class labs, and a multi-story simulation center which all cater to the diverse needs of the rising generation of health science professionals.

Project Facts

  • Client:

  • Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
  • Size:

  • 101,000 sq. ft.
  • Markets:

  • College + University, Science + Technology
  • Region:

  • United States
  • Studios:

  • New York

    Awards

  • Award of Merit, AIA/CAE Education Facility Design Awards (2019)
  • Award of Merit, Institutional, AIA New York State Design Awards (2018)
  • Honor Award, AIA New Jersey Design Awards (2018)
  • Willard G Rouse III Award, ULI Philadelphia (2018)
  • Design Award of Excellence, Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) NY (2018)
  • Award of Merit: Higher Education, Regional Best Projects, ENR New York (2018)
  • Project of the Year, CMAA Mid-Atlantic (2018)
  • Gold Award, BD+C Building Team Awards (2018)
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    Located in between Rutgers’ Camden Campus and Cooper Medical Center, the triangle-shaped building powerfully sits between City Hall Plaza, a light-rail station, and a future park. Viewable from a distance on all sides—a rarity in dense urban areas—the school stands as a sculptural beacon of both Rutgers’ and Camden’s educational and urban development ambitions.

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    “The Nursing and Science Building is spectacular. This is a game-changer that could attract other investment to downtown.” – Dana Redd, former mayor, City of Camden

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    Perkins Eastman conceived of a “super window” along the building’s southwestern side, incorporating transparency and sustainability into the design. High-performance glazing and aluminum fins provide pleasant visuals for people walking by, as well as glare-mitigation and expansive outward views for those working and collaborating inside. Each of the building’s three differing façades responds to varied street life and surrounding architecture, while still being a complete and holistic design.

    A home away from home for four-year students, the building has a highly flexible interior environment that accommodate wellness, learning, socializing, collaboration, and study habits. The open “student street” is a building-wide network of gathering and study spots that promote interconnectivity at all range of social scales. Specialized classrooms, class labs, and pre-clinical practice rooms serve diverse training and educational needs so students and faculty can better serve the public through health care.

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    The project began at a pivotal point in Rutgers University’s history, occurring during its merger with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Perkins Eastman conducted engaging workshops with a range of representatives, who shared their ideas and vision for the new school building that would support their educational requirements and strengthen their relationships with the city. The collaborative process resulted in a plan that worked for everyone; and a building that not only meets, but exceeds the needs of students, faculty, and staff.

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