Creighton University

Virginia G.
Piper
Charitable
Trust Health
Sciences

Client
Creighton University
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Size
183,000 SF
Completion date
August 2021

An expanding active and immersive new health science campus redefines health science education for Creighton University and the Southwest region. 

In support of the mission of the Health Education Alliance in Phoenix, Creighton University engaged RDG Planning & Design to set the strategic vision and subsequent design for the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Health Sciences Building. The campus, which is located along Central Avenue in Midtown Phoenix, marks a significant expansion of the University's presence in Arizona and reflects its commitment to meeting the growing need for healthcare professionals across the country. 

The seven-level Health Sciences Campus will enroll nearly 900 students, including future physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists and physician assistants by 2025. 

RDG's design for the campus takes inspiration from Creighton's education ethos, "Cura Personalis" or care for the whole person, to create spaces that emphasize occupants' physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The design uses active learning spaces and simulation labs to engage the mind, interconnecting staircases to promote physical movement, and natural views, daylighting and open communal spaces to support emotional and social health. Sustainable design elements, including a high-performance façade and outdoor well-being spaces, respond to the natural surroundings to enhance the learning environment and emphasize collaborative pedagogy. 

RDG completed the project in collaboration with Butler Design Group and Plaza Companies.

The building and site integrate rain harvesting and native plantings to support sustainability strategies and the plaza design.
Creighton University Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Health Sciences Building primary entry.
Biophilic learning environments that provide natural light possess cognitive benefits which improve wellbeing and test scores.

RDG's design for the campus takes inspiration from Creighton's education ethos, "Cura Personalis" or care for the whole person, to create spaces that emphasize occupants' physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The design uses active learning spaces and simulation labs to engage the mind, interconnecting staircases to promote physical movement, and natural views, daylighting and open communal spaces to support emotional and social health. Sustainable design elements, including a high-performance façade and outdoor well-being spaces, respond to the natural surroundings to enhance the learning environment and emphasize collaborative pedagogy. 

RDG completed the project in collaboration with Butler Design Group and Plaza Companies.

Awards
2023 Award Finalist
IDEA Awards
2023
2022 RED Awards — Higher Education Project of the Year
AZRE Magazine
2022
2022 Outstanding Design Educational Interiors Showcase
American School & University
2022
2022 Architectural Portfolio Citation
American School & University
2022
2022 Outstanding Design Educational Interiors Showcase
American School & University Magazine
2022
2022 Architectural Portfolio Citation
American School & University Magazine
2022