When Old Dominion University began planning its new Student Health and Wellness facility, it became evident that a new site would be necessary if it were going to support the institution’s goal of making wellness programming more accessible. Ultimately, a site immediately adjacent to the existing Student Recreation Center (SRC) was selected to leverage the popularity of an existing campus crossroads, and to co-locate fitness and wellness programming in a way that was beneficial to students and staff alike.

Key to the organization of the building was the principle that wellness education is best facilitated by connections across all facets of a student’s lifestyle. From medical check-ups, to healthy eating habits, to the embrace of mental wellness as a key area of attention, a holistic vision to healthcare informed the overall design approach. The layout of the new facility makes a conscious effort to organize spaces and programs to be welcoming, while providing requisite levels of privacy.

The new Student Health Center is located on the main floor of the adjacent addition and provides ample space for routine and emergency medical visits. Counseling Services is located immediately above on the addition’s upper floor, which provides isolation from the buzz of the building while still in close proximity to other departments. A two-story atrium brings natural light into adjoining spaces and is home to the University’s first biophilic installation: a 30-foot tall, living wall of plants that improves indoor air quality.