A joint project between Wichita State University, WSU Tech, and the University of Kansas Medical Center, the Wichita Biomedical Campus (WBC) will be a catalyst for interprofessional biomedical and healthcare education, and lead to improved patient outcomes, and partnerships in emerging research fields. Prominently located in downtown Wichita, the initial stage of development involves constructing a 355,000-SF interdisciplinary building to accommodate 3,000 students and 200 faculty members. The design of the building serves as a representation of the WBC's core mission of innovation and advancement in healthcare. CO Architects is the Design Architect in association with Helix Architecture + Design, the Architect of Record.
The WBC is part of a plan to establish a healthcare corridor in Wichita where education, research, and healthcare services are situated close to hospitals and healthcare providers to enhance partnerships and foster innovative research. Envisioned as a series of vertically stacked communities and neighborhoods, the architectural design is inspired by the multi-institutional collaboration, the geology of the nearby Flint Hills, and the urban fabric of downtown Wichita.
The eight-story WBC includes a three-story pavilion housing a community Forum and Speech/Language/Hearing Clinic, advanced biomedical research laboratories, classrooms, interprofessional simulation center, a student success center, landscape terraces, lounges, landscaped terraces, study areas, a grab&go market workplace environments and meeting spaces. Wichita State University and WSU Tech be housed on the first four levels with a shared simulation floor on level 5 and the University of Kansas will be on the top three levels. The WBC thoughtfully balances each institution’s unique and independent identity with shared functions and spaces that encourage collaboration and learning between the universities.
“By bringing together researchers, health care professionals and industry leaders, we’re creating an environment where groundbreaking discoveries can thrive and where collaboration sparks innovation. This campus will be at the forefront of transforming health care, ultimately improving the lives of countless individuals.”
Rick Muma, President, Wichita State University
Project Name
Wichita Biomedical Campus
Size
355,000 GSF
Client
Wichita State University, WSU Tech, and University of Kansas Medical Center
Completion Date
2027
Services
Programming
Design
Simulation Planning
Laboratory Planning
Clinic Planning
Location
Wichita, KS
