What better way to start off the New Year than going through some of our current projects under construction. Last week we gave a quick update on the H-Max Project in Shaoxing, China. Today’s update comes from New Jersey, where PLA has been working with The Medicines Company to design and construct a medical learning and education center (aka “the Lab”). The Lab will use simulation to shape the development of foundational health science, technology choices, process of care, as well as the behaviors of care providers.
Innovative health science company The Medicines Company (MDCO) aims to lead in acute/intensive care medicine by saving lives, alleviating suffering, and improving the economic efficiencies of the world’s leading hospitals. Education and the process of learning underpin this purpose and serve as the vehicle for translating new knowledge into new ways of working. Paul Lukez Architecture was asked to use its design-research process to envision a medical learning lab rich with simulation technology and immersive experiences. The Lab, the first of its kind in industry, will act as a vehicle for the company to ignite curiosity, develop deep knowledge in acute care and explore the leading edge of healthcare.
Through intensive research and extensive interaction with members of the company, PLA and the Project Team developed a proposal that looked past any preconceptions of space and form, but rather created a flexible environment that simulates pathways of care while stimulating active participation and learning from a broader audience. On one hand the care areas will maintain a recognizable level of familiarity to healthcare professional; on the other hand the center will create a unique and singular experience through bold design and programming, in order to heighten and imprint the learning experience.
Lai Sin Hew, the project architect and an associate at PLA, has been taking the lead in shepherding this project through design and CA along with his team members (Josh Canez, Alex Hogrefe and Mike Fahey.) The contractor is Sweetwater. We are looking forward to completing the project soon, and having the Lt Governor of New Jersey, Kim Guadagno, make a return visit for the project opening. More updates to follow!
