CREJ

Page 8 — Health Care & Life Sciences Quarterly — April 2022 www.crej.com HEALTH CARE A s technology continues to advance, the world of simulation-based learn- ing is becoming a staple for higher education. Simula- tion education allows students to step away from the textbooks and exposes them to hands-on experi- ences in their field. The use of simu- lation spaces provides repeatability of practice for students in a safe environment, where risk ultimately is eliminated. The construction of these spaces is becoming more prevalent, specifically in the health care indus- try, as it offers numerous benefits to students and staff. Contractors deliv- ering these spaces must have a blend of health care expertise along with a deep understanding of complex audiovisual systems and controls to ensure success. Built to optimize the advantages of simulation spaces, our company recently completed the construction of the Anschutz Health Sciences Building at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. AHSB is a seven-story, 394,419-square-foot medical research building dedicated to personalized and precision medicine, biostatis- tics, informatics, as well as mental and behavioral health. The North and East wings of the third floor are devoted to simulation-based learning and differ from much of the facility, which was designed with the concept of “science on display” using glass partition walls. Similar to the entire building, the spaces on this floor are designed to resemble a hospital to create a realistic environment for students and staff. The floor includes four patient rooms that can be config- ured for multiple beds, two of which are large enough to be reconfigured as an operating room, a complete medi- cal/surgical room, 30 clinical exam rooms, as well as four control rooms that allow person- nel to observe stu- dents on camera or through a one- way mirror. We partnered with over 30 differ- ent user groups and utilized multiple skill sets imperative to delivering a facility that encompasses the con- struction elements of both higher education and health care facilities. Due to its design, AHSB required the same level of detailed coordination needed to build a health care facil- ity. Enhanced communication was a necessity between each group to manage all user groups’ needs and capture the client’s vision. Addition- ally, there was an added level of AV that was prioritized during construc- tion throughout the facility. AV tech- nologies can significantly improve productivity and collaboration yet oftentimes are seen as afterthoughts in construction. To ensure optimal performance of these technologies, the team partnered with Aptitude, a division of JE Dunn, for a collabora- tive construction experience. Aptitude provides digital and physical connectivity solutions using advanced technology. The technol- ogy systems installed by the team at AHSB included AV, low-voltage system integration, such as cabling, communications, digital signage, room scheduling system, access control, intercom system, video sur- veillance and a large screen display in the atrium lobby that is approxi- mately 64 feet wide by 16.5 feet tall. Each system has the opportunity to impact the environment of the facili- ty and help create positive experienc- es for users. Many of these functions may seem rudimentary in nature, yet they require a tremendous amount of proactive planning and coordination to establish the seamless experience users need. “Our team provides value to a project like AHSB with simulation spaces by utilizing our consultative, goal-oriented approach to integra- tion planning for high-performing buildings,” said Josh Gipson, Apti- tude project manager. “We have a specialized team of accredited and knowledgeable professionals with numerous years of experience, which allows our team to understand the patterns, trends and relationships of Simulation-based education advances health care Charlie Slattery Project director, JE Dunn Construction Frank Ooms The Anschutz Health Sciences Building at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus’ North and East wings of the third floor are devoted to simulation-based learning. Please see Slattery, Page 17