Brian Briscoe, Tina Pruett and Robert Gardner, who are currently studying at the Texas A & M University, USA, entered the Architects for Health’s First Student Health Design Award (2007) with the following submission. For contact please email: brisco85@msn.com
Texas A&M Health Science Center
“The Texas A&M Health Science Center is a premier assembly of colleges devoted to educating health professionals and researchers who possess extraordinary competence and integrity. As we become the most significant and energetic agent for health care, science and research in Texas, we dedicate ourselves to the principle that all people, regardless of geography, economics or culture, deserve the benefits of compassionate care, superior science and exceptional health education” (TEXAS A&M HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER WEBSITE). The Texas A&M Health Science Center has been the administrative body of all the health care branches under the Texas A&M University System since 1999. Moving toward a vision to 2056, the HSC strives to become a world-class institution with a home campus to continue the great tradition of research and education. The Texas A&M Health Sciences Center’s Health Professions Education is approached as a statewide distributed organization that increases access to health profession careers in the local community. A Visible Beacon to the community, the new HSC campus should become an icon to the world outside representing the work performed inside. The Vision is to consolidate the HSC and its administrative functions into a “home office” in Bryan/College Station, Texas. The Campus should allow the HSC to have a feel of legitimacy, as well as establish a location for future developments. Creating an environment of health, allowing for compassionate care and desirable working environment for students, researchers, and the sick. State-of-the-art technology and facilities to enhance Education and Research in the health-care industry.
The Health Science Center project asked the students to provide information regarding size and scope for their new campus to more accurately select their site location. This information became critical in the decision process for the Board of Regents at Texas A&M University to determine the land to be purchased for the campus. Environmental variables such as the Texas T-Bone is a proposed high-speed rail that would connect Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Bryan/College Station. This would allow for immediate boosts in commuting and allow Bryan/College Station to benefit from being connected to the larger cities. Bryan/College Station has the benefits of being home to one of the largest universities in the world as well as its airport, highway access, and the George Bush Library.
“Program objectives for students include: develop foundational knowledge and skills for conducting research, develop teaching skills and construct effective learning environments, and become well-versed in higher education issues. The Texas A&M Health Science Center’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is dedicated to providing a rigorous and stimulating research and training environment for qualified candidates in the biomedical sciences, dentistry and rural public health… The graduate faculty is committed to excellence in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research training for students whose intellectual contributions will provide the basic knowledge to cure diseases and to improve health and well-being for all people” (TEXAS A&M HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER WEBSITE).
With a focus on sustainability, the Texas A&M Health Science Center will aim to attain a better quality to the environment in which we live. The buildings are designed with site appropriate orientation to collect minimal heat gain from the sun and reduce energy costs in the hot and humid Texas climate conditions. The facades are developed with special attention to the sun, wind, and climatic conditions. Shading devices are incorporated on the East, South, and West facades. Natural vegetation will be used for shading and to create pleasant breezes. Water Reduction is obtained through the use of rainwater collection tanks and water-efficient landscaping. In addition, the HSC will further reduce energy usage through photovoltaic panels on the roof. Finally, materials chosen will help improve the indoor environment quality. Recycled materials are used wherever possible.
The Architects for Health
First Student Health Design Award
was sponsored by
