Behind the Scenes of Darlington Hall

Tours were led through each floor of the 51,600-square-foot building, including the mechanical equipment located on the roof, in order to evaluate how the designs complimented the needs of the students and administrators. Hord Coplan Macht, Kinsley Construction, and BKM led portions of the tour, giving key insights to building’s unique state-of-the-art spaces. Spaces within the new $15,000,000 building range from informal group study rooms with dry-erase boards and laptop-ready fixtures to high-tech learning spaces with recording capabilities and sound-proof retractable paneling. One especially unique space is the custom-fitted ambulance simulator, with realistic sound system capabilities, lights, and a loading dock area to give EMT students the best preparation for handling actual emergencies. Additionally, the tour’s lab simulations further demonstrated the technical complexities that were involved in the design. Overall, the purpose of the new building is to provide a more collaborate, team-based learning environment that incorporates the modern technology of medical and hospital-grade settings.

BKM’s project mechanical engineer, Matt Sol, led the m/e/p portion of the tour. He reflected on his experience with the project:

Darlington Hall was unique and challenging project in many aspects. From having to locate the building on top of an existing fiber optics manhole to coordination with the extensive floor to floor openings throughout, several creative design solutions had to be implemented.  Overall, Darlington Hall turned out beautiful and will definitely be a showcase for the campus. At last night’s program, it was very rewarding to hear and see first-hand how this innovative building is bringing joy to its students and faculty.

To learn more about the project and check out the interior, please visit: http://www.bkma.com/our-work/darlington-hall-nursing-and-allied-health-building/