The Health Sciences Education Building meets two institutions’ aspirations for identity, sustainability and powerful new learning environments. The design is open, highly transparent, and encourages social gathering and chance encounters as part of users’ daily life. Primary circulation pathways act as “main streets” lined with meeting places and various seating arrangements. Vertical circulation elements such as seating pods are located off of stair landings for groups to congregate. Within meeting places, flexible furniture systems can be easily re-arranged. The lighting design is highly efficient and augmented wherever possible by controlled daylight. The practicality of continuous heavy usage made durability and maintenance a prime driver of material selection and detailing. CO Architects: Executive & Design Architect; Ayers Saint Gross, Associate Architect