Curious about a place designed to enhance well-being and connect you with nature? That’s the essence of the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility. This state-of-the-art building at the Universities at Shady Grove is more than just classrooms and labs. It’s a hub for innovation in Rockville Maryland.
The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility celebrated its grand opening not long ago. Dignitaries and community members joined to celebrate this incredible addition. It represents a significant investment doubling the footprint of the USG campus.
The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility offers degree programs from nine different Maryland public universities. Students can earn degrees in STEM fields. These include life sciences cybersecurity and engineering. The University of Maryland Baltimore even operates a community dental clinic here.
Step inside the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility and you will find modern labs. There are lecture halls and active learning classrooms. You will also find clinical training facilities and student support offices. The goal is to promote collaboration between students mentors and local businesses.
The architectural firms Cooper Carry and Lake Flato designed the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility. The Gilbane Building Company managed its construction. It is a six-story facility. The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility aims for LEED Platinum certification. This is the highest level of sustainability.
The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility boasts innovative environmental design. This includes a living wall and a water garden. The Piney Branch Water Garden uses harvested rainwater. Sculpted panels inside the building mirror patterns found in nature.
The design of the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility emphasizes biophilia. This refers to the human desire to connect with nature. Eighty-seven percent of the occupied spaces have exterior views. Natural materials like reclaimed wood enhance the feeling of well-being.
The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility replaced a 500-car parking lot. It welcomes a diverse student body into STEMM programs. Community members can access free dental services. They can join youth-oriented classes. They can even collaborate with nonprofit incubators.
The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility supports workforce development. It provides a dental lab that offers community dental services. The facility has innovation labs and makerspaces. This fosters entrepreneurship and partnerships.
The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility is designed to minimize its environmental impact. The building uses less water and energy than comparable facilities. Stormwater is managed on-site. The facility promotes non-vehicular transportation.
The design team engaged stakeholders through workshops. They gathered input on how to make the building accessible and welcoming. The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility connects to regional bus systems. An elevated boardwalk provides access to the campus and nature. Learning spaces offer choices in light temperature and sound.
The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility contributes to local and regional economies. It supports workforce training for STEM jobs. Community partner organizations provide services to the underserved. Since opening more than 50000 people have experienced the building.
The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility’s design anticipates climate change. It uses drought-tolerant plants. Water collection systems are prepared for future precipitation changes. The wetland restoration addresses flooding and loss of biodiversity. So the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility not only serves as a center for education and research. But it also stands as a testament to sustainable design and community engagement.