Bryant University sought to establish a School of Health Sciences that would be anchored by its graduate Physician Assistant Degree. The degree is one of the fastest growing majors in the country and Bryant is bringing a rigorous and supportive program to prepare their physician assistant students to meet the needs of the health care system. The degree supplements an already offered Master in Business Administration degree with a concentration in health care. Bryant’s largest academic building, the Unistructure, was selected for an addition to house the program.

LLB Architects designed the space working with Lavallee Brensinger Architects, specialists in healthcare design, to accommodate the program’s unique needs. We worked with the University to generate program overlays within the existing building spaces, creating an inherently sustainable mix of reduced new construction with selective renovation. The public space was designed to capture the great views of the campus while allowing for an abundance of natural light. The classrooms and laboratories are designed to facilitate the successful transition from classroom to physician’s office. The new addition includes both lecture and team-learning style classrooms, a high-fidelity simulation laboratory, and a realistic physical examination laboratory. The transparent facade showcases the bustling activity within the building and includes a grand staircase and a lounge area offset by walls of glass and brick.