In Their Own Words

Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College

Creating inviting public spaces for a top-tier nursing school

To achieve the strategic goals defined by the nursing school, replacement of their outdated facilities was imperative. In siting and designing the new 105,000 sf building, it was important to provide a prominent image for the School of Nursing within the Washington University - Barnes-Jewish Medical Center campus. As a result, the building rises five stories, with a highly visible façade and signage facing three major streets. An enclosed courtyard creates a student quadrangle within the medical campus and sets the building off from its rigid, urban surroundings. As a gathering place and means of identity, the courtyard takes into account pedestrian convenience and safety with upgraded lighting and installation of an emergency blue light/phone system. Upgraded lighting is extended to the immediately surrounding streets.

The courtyard invites people in, with its entry gateway, sweeping plaza and seating spaces. It is designed to accommodate a number of student-oriented activities. The open lawn is ideal for studying, recreation, and special events (i.e. graduation ceremonies will take place under a large outdoor tent). There is an outdoor café with movable seating adjacent to the indoor student commons. Passive spaces include a sculpture court and secluded seating beneath a ‘bosque' of Ginkgo trees and on the terraced steps.

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Size: 105,000 sf
Status: Completion 2007
Associate Architect: Ayers/Saint/Gross
Award: 2007 Construction Industry Best Practice Award, Honorable Mention, St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers

<p>The five-story, L-shaped building expresses its programmatic elements through bold forms and elevations, with highly visible facades and signage facing three major streets. A custom-designed entry gateway invites people in and provides a prominent image for the School of Nursing.</p>

The five-story, L-shaped building expresses its programmatic elements through bold forms and elevations, with highly visible facades and signage facing three major streets. A custom-designed entry gateway invites people in and provides a prominent image for the School of Nursing.

<p>The modern building is set off from its urban surroundings by a student quadrangle containing an open green, outdoor cafe, and intimate seating areas.</p>

The modern building is set off from its urban surroundings by a student quadrangle containing an open green, outdoor cafe, and intimate seating areas.

<p>The outdoor café connects to the student commons and cafeteria inside and is a popular place on sunny days.</p>

The outdoor café connects to the student commons and cafeteria inside and is a popular place on sunny days.

<p>Christner's landscape architects created this walled courtyard space with tiered, ampitheater-like seating, a walking garden, and ornamental entry created of limestone columns.</p>

Christner's landscape architects created this walled courtyard space with tiered, ampitheater-like seating, a walking garden, and ornamental entry created of limestone columns.