Here’s a glimpse at one of those tours. To register for the tour or more at the HCD Conference + Expo, taking place November 4-7 in New Orleans, visit hcdexpo.com.
Delgado Community College – Ochsner Center for Nursing and Allied Health, New Orleans
The new Nursing and Allied Health Building at Delgado Community College (New Orleans) is an important step forward in enhancing health care programs and reflects the growth and excellence of the institution.
The project represents the first new classroom facility on campus since 2015. Delgado Community College and Ochsner Health have teamed up to train the next generation of nurses and allied health professionals.
Planning to add a campus
The project brings together all nursing and allied health programs from three sites, including Charity Campus, City Park Campus, and Jefferson Campus, in one location. The building houses 22 allied health programs, two nursing programs, a virtual hospital, college administration and staff offices, common classrooms and testing laboratories.
The new building is prominently located at the front of campus, adjacent to historic Isaac Delgado Hall, and connects traditional campus elements with modern architecture. For example, the elevations facing the campus feature a mix of brick and stone, reflecting the intricate detailing and character of the existing buildings.
The design, delivered through a joint venture between Manning Architects (New Orleans) and Mackey Mitchell Architects (St. Louis, Missouri), is rooted in promoting integrated healthcare programs, immersive simulation learning, and future growth. Assembling programs that carefully consider the segments of students that would benefit most from shared connections and interdisciplinary collaboration was a top priority when programming this facility. This convergence of education is intended to emulate collaborative patient care, a factor that will be essential to students’ success in real-world practice.
The use of extensive exterior glazing enhances transparency, allowing passers-by to visually interact with their advanced learning spaces. Inside, a range of teaching environments, from traditional lecture halls to state-of-the-art simulation laboratories, enrich the educational experience. Virtual hospital spaces provide realistic simulation learning, allowing students to practice and observe.
Biophilic design principles
Great care has been taken to comply not only with the city’s landscape and tree codes intended to preserve the tree canopy, but also with the spirit of conservation. The mature live oaks that line the walkway on the eastern edge of campus facing the city’s historic park are a distinctive feature of the locale and their preservation has become critical to the project’s success. An arborist was involved early and throughout the construction process to determine safe trimming and care practices.
Local plantings ensure lush and colorful surroundings that complement the lively design language used in the interior of the project. The building offers views of the tree canopy, providing residents with moments of peace and tranquility. Lounge spaces within the canopy provide a respite from the often simulated and intense settings that are inherent in inpatient care. Multiple exposure points to the outdoors throughout the building aim to collectively create a deeper connection between students and nature throughout their academic journey.
Delgado Community College – Ochsner Center for Nursing and Allied Health project details
Location: New Orleans
Completion date: March 2023
Owner: Delgado Community College
Total building area: 120,000 square feet
Total construction cost: $44 million
Cost/square foot. ft.: $367 per sq. ft.
Architecture firm: Manning Architects + Mackey Mitchell Architects, joint venture
Interior design: Manning Architects + Mackey Mitchell Architects, joint venture
General contractor: Lemoine
Engineering: Julian Engineering (civil and structural), Crumb Engineering (MEP), Creative Engineering Group (electrical), Patch Studio (landscape architect)
Builder: Lemoine