Roslynn Carter Health and
Human Sciences
Comprised of several individual program buildings, this complex was designed to integrate with the rest of Georgia Southwestern University’s campus. The project was initially planned as a singular building however, due to a state funding shortfall the project was cancelled. Sam Andras worked closely with the GSW team including Kendell Blanchard, President, Kody King, VP of Finance, and George Smith, Director of Plant Operations in development of a two-building approach that would split the funding needs over a two year period. The approach was approved by the Georgia Board of Regents and Georgia State Finance and Investment Commission and passed forward to the Governor’s office. Upon final approval the project moved forward.
The Nursing Building is home to nursing classrooms, labs, and faculty offices. The classrooms and offices are located on the first floor, while the nursing labs comprise the second floor. The nursing labs include state-of-the-art METI nursing patient simulators. Also included in the nursing building is a 200-seat auditorium and the Rosalynn Carter Museum wall.
The Sociology/Psychology Building includes the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI). The first floor is subdivided between the two entities, each with its own entry and lobby. The RCI includes a Learning Center and A resource library. Other features include the ten staff offices, a director’s office, a large conference room, and an interaction simulation lab. The sociology/psychology portion of the building features a biology lab, chemistry lab, and a 52-seat computer lab. Upstairs are located administrative offices, as well as 5 classrooms seating a total of 204 students. The second floor also features a student lounge with a coffee bar and vending machines.
The campus aesthetic is traditional, neo-classical, with an emphasis on brick material. 2WR followed the design principles spelled out by the campus but strove to make the building unique while also meeting the extremely stringent and tight budget. 2WR chose subtle differences in brick patterning and color to create rhythms across the facade. Attached to those brick differences are subtle changes in plane that enhance the vertical rhythms created by the color and patterning change. Cast stone courses create horizontal ribbons around the building. The main entries of the two buildings are dichotomous in nature. The nursing building protrudes from the main building and incorporates heavy cast stone columns that harken back to the rest of campus. The sociology / psychology entry is recessed and incorporates a unique curtain wall that allows it to feel delicate and light.
This project was completed by 2WR of Georgia, Inc. My role on the project was Principal in Charge and Program Manager.
