An integrated approach

When the university's medical school merged with its public health department, it signaled a profound change for the campus structure. Not only did this integrated approach address the evolving health care needs of Wisconsin residents, it also provided an elevated platform to expand the boundaries of science through cutting-edge research and continue advanced education for health professionals.

To accommodate the expansion of programs and growth in curriculum, the newly established University of Wisconsin Medical Foundation turned to Flad Architects to incorporate a new office building that would accommodate space for the merged departments and increased faculty.

The new, seven-story facility – dubbed as the Centennial Building – has the capacity to house up to 12 individual departments with 65-80 occupants per floor, accommodating approximately 530 people. It provides an open, cohesive environment to encourage collaboration while also allowing each resident group to maintain an individual identity. Private offices line the rectilinear sides of the building, while open cubicles populate the curved area, allowing occupants enjoyment of natural light and exterior views.

A two-story public space enhances opportunities for interaction and collaboration through casual meeting, dining, and conferencing. Although the building has been carefully planned to anticipate the needs of its immediate inhabitants, it is also designed for flexibility to accommodate reconfiguration of spaces as departments grow, expand, and even relocate.

Awarded LEED Gold certification, the building was carefully sited to take advantage of daylighting and minimize negative physical effects on the environment.