Driving Research Forward

With the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (HCOM) occupying multiple buildings on Ohio University’s campus, HCOM committed to relocating a majority of the educational and office space to the newly “seeded” Union Street Green on the north side of campus. This consolidation involves a new 126,100 sf transformational/modern medical education building, as well as the renovation of the HRTC building, which is immediately next door. Critical to the long-term success of the college, this plan leverages forward-thinking and flexible strategies in clinical education, classroom design, communal space, and workplace/office.

Programming for the 25,000 SF HRTC building occurred simultaneously with the programming of the new Med Ed building. This was done such that faculty and staff locations (in both buildings) could be evaluated for best accessibility to students, streamlined coordination for operation efficiency, and overall synergy for the College. Space Planning (to maximize the existing layout within HRTC and be fiscally responsible) then followed to create new space for offices, community work zones, conferencing/meeting rooms, huddle spaces, etc. The renovation of the building includes new flooring throughout, painting throughout, replacement of window coverings, restroom and drinking fountain upgrades, minor wall and ceiling reconfigurations, as well as selective replacement of lighting fixtures and doors/hardware.  

DesignGroup has been working closely throughout with both HCOM and OU on the design of both the new Med Ed building and HRTC building renovation with the goal that HCOM staff, faculty, and students are moving into both buildings simultaneously.