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The entrance of the Kansas City University Medicine & Biosciences.

Kansas City University Medicine & Biosciences

A Complex Conversion Results in Missouri’s First Medical School in 100 Years

Location
Joplin, Missouri
Client
Kansas City University
Practices
Size
153,000 SF
Year
2017
Awards

2017 LEsolutions Planning and Design Merit Award: Post-Secondary Category (Unbuilt) - A4LE

2018 Design Excellence Award: Merit - AIA Kansas

Credits

Photography: Aaron Dougherty

An interior view of the dining hall. A buffet and cooler have wood accents and are surrounded by menu screens.
Students sit in a lecture hall at KCU with wood slatting covering the ceiling and back wall.

Converting an underutilized building into medical resource for the Joplin community.

At the outset of the project, our team asked, “How can the renovation of an existing modular building become an extraordinary story of sustainability?” Multistudio used extensive analysis of the existing systems to develop innovative design opportunities for the underutilized building.

Chiropractic students at KCU sit in a class, watching a demo.
Students at KCU study in personal and group pod spaces.

These opportunities centered on creating healthy and nurturing environments for students otherwise stressed by the rigors of an intense education program. A “quad” in the center of the building, with deep slots carved into the sides, introduces natural light and direct connection to outdoor green spaces.

An outdoor patio at KCU features string patio lights and tables with umbrellas.

New facilities included a 200-seat learning studio, anatomy lab, OMM lab, simulation, standardized patient, cafeteria, library, administration, classrooms, and study spaces. The project incorporates several resilient design strategies, including a new 200-seat tiered lecture hall that doubles as a storm shelter for the campus community.

A cafetria space at KCU doubles as study tables.

The expansion of KCU [to the Farber-McIntire campus] marks a significant moment for our university and an opportunity to help address the rural health care needs for Missouri and the region.

Dr. Marc B. Hahn, President & CEO, Kansas City University

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