Brown University fully embraces the importance of student health and well-being and the impact it can have on academic and social success. The new Health and Wellness Center and Residence Hall brings together the University’s robust resources, including physical health services, mental and emotional health services, and wellness education and programming to one location. VHB provided site/civil engineering design along with survey, traffic, permitting, and construction administration services for the project that aligns so closely with our corporate culture of improving health and well-being, contributing to economic vitality, and promoting environmental stewardship. The innovative facility features co-located student services, including a clinical area with 20+ exam rooms, a counseling and psychological services department, administrative suite, radiology department, laboratory, pharmacy, suite for the BWell program (health promotion center) and a student led EMS department with ambulance bay, along with a 162-bed residence hall. The University has taken an innovative approach to supporting the health and well-being of all current and future Brown students and VHB is proud to have contributed to this meaningful project.
Social—The design of the building uses a holistic approach to wellness and well-being with an emphasis on bringing residents, students, patients, staff, and clinicians together inclusively. Multi-use spaces such as a group kitchen, large meeting room, and conference rooms support communal activities, workshops, and meetings centered on community well-being. Additionally, outdoor courtyard rooms and a rooftop pollinator garden offer direct access to interior spaces and the natural healing benefits of nature.
Environmental—The University has a long-term commitment to achieving continuous energy and environmental performance across campus through an ongoing integrated and systematic approach. In alignment with this vision, the Health and Wellness Center was designed to meet LEED® v4 Silver standards using newer certification systems such as FitWel and Well as guidelines for the design of healthy buildings. VHB supported the design team in the pursuit of LEED® project certification and provided preliminary engineering services in the development of a Project Scorecard Checklist.
Economic—VHB recognizes that the overall well-being of students is essential for them to fully embrace their academic experience and take advantage of the many opportunities the University provides. Through the University’s innovative approach, student health and well-being will be supported by the many campus health and wellness services at a centralized location. When students can care for themselves physically and emotionally, they are more likely to thrive academically and socially and become graduates that thrive professionally and personally.
