Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Athens, Ohio

Learning Transformed for the Next Generation of Health Leaders

Heritage Hall is the new home for the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (HCOM) located on the Union Street Green of Ohio University’s Athens Campus. This new facility is a transformational, modern medical education building that supports HCOM’s curriculum which prioritizes student, faculty, and staff well-being. The new facility makes possible innovative, purpose-built spaces for medical education, as well as fundamental changes to the way the university works on research and community outreach initiatives.

The three tenets of osteopathic medicine – mind, body, and spirit – are fundamental to the building design. They are expressed beautifully through openness, infusion of light, and a focus on wellness that fosters collaboration, connectivity, and physical activity. Heritage Hall will be one of the first WELL-certified medical schools in the United States.

Client: Ohio University
Size: 120,000 square feet
Completion Date: 2021
Sustainability: WELL Silver Building Certification

Photo showing medical students in glass atrium.

The grand atrium draws in natural light from above and connects users to the green spaces surrounding the building.

In-depth on Insights

How one medical school is building stronger connections with its students

Classrooms with glass fronts prominently display teaching and learning activities, as well as and the integrated academic technologies.

What is it

Transformational modern medical education building for the University and the nation.

Active Design

The building promotes active design by encouraging physical activity within the building with the intent of maintaining student health and academic success.

The design incorporates osteopathic principles to healthcare delivery, multi-disciplinary teams for learning and problem solving, and integrates holistic care principles.

The Heritage College is in the midst of the most significant period of growth and change in our history, and these new facilities, designed to meet the needs of a world-class educational program, will be a necessary cornerstone of that transformation as we continue to move ahead.”

Ken Johnson, D.O., Executive Dean, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chief Medical Affairs Officer, Ohio University

The new facility incorporates yoga studios, mindfulness rooms, wellness areas, and fitness centers for mental health breaks planned throughout the day.

While the red brick exterior reflects the surrounding historic campus buildings, the building design works in concert with the medical school’s new curriculum to push the boundaries of modern medical education.

Heritage Hall provides space for medical education, clinical assessment and training, student support spaces, administrative space, space for future growth, and a Learning Resource Center.

What makes it cool

By putting well-being into practice, Ohio University is cultivating students who are adaptable, team-based, compassionate, and empathetic – no matter which direction their careers might take them.

Sustainability

The project is designed with environmentally sustainable features including healthy materials, furnishings, and systems to meet the US Green Building Council’s LEED Silver Version 4 and will also become WELL Building Certified; the leading tool for advancing health and well-being in buildings globally.

Project Team

Jerry Johnson

Heidi Costello

Jessica Figenholtz

Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Project Team

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