University of Arizona – College of Medicine Expansion

The scope of this project includes a $3,000,000 dollar design to budget for educational technology systems to include telemedicine, healthcare observation & recording, immersion technologies, digital audio/video capture with streaming capabilities to the UA Local Area Network (LAN), audiovisual presentation and recording, program/speech audio reinforcement, custom instructor’s stations, and associated supporting telecommunications cabling (voice, data, RF Video) systems. The types of spaces to receive educational technology systems include: a T-Health Virtual Reality Room for the Arizona Telemedicine Program, a 250-seat Auditorium with multiple display and videoconferencing capabilities, mediated classrooms, conference rooms, and 10-seat discussion rooms all equipped with videoconferencing systems, as well as, training exam and observation rooms, a learning resource center, and a student recreation center. Various common areas throughout the facility will also receive video displays, background music, and voice paging systems tied to and controlled by a master control room located in Building #2. Project challenges include working closely with the architect to incorporate technologies and acoustical recommendations while maintaining the existing historical status of key spaces. Primary acoustical involvement included analyzing room acoustics and providing recommendations for mechanical systems noise and vibration control for all videoconferencing spaces throughout the facility. Project successes included creative solutions for maintaining the historical structure of the auditorium while implementing current technologies and acoustical design to achieve the programmed use of the space. The first phase of the project has been successfully complete since October 2006.

Architect: SmithGroup

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Construction Cost: $19.3 Million

Project Size: 83,000 gsf