University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Martland Building Renovation

Newark, New Jersey

Firm

KSS Architects LLP

Client

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

Area

52,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$11,000,000

Completion Date

12/1998

The Martland Building, a 17-story former hospital, was donated to the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. Since 1979, the building housed various non-clinical functions, so code-mandated and functional upgrades were required to maximize the usefulness and comfort of the building.

The architect designed renovations to 52,000 square feet on three floors within the building. The renovation included the design of 17,000 square feet of interactive, distance-learning classrooms and simulation laboratories that transmit to and receive from multiple, remote UMDNJ sites throughout New Jersey. All classrooms and simulation laboratories are equipped to allow the use of analog and digital teleconferencing equipment and computers.

The simulation classrooms are designed to recreate the hospital and home-care environments these caregivers will encounter. The demonstration kitchen is used to instruct students in healthful cooking techniques. While the classroom decor needed to reflect the clinical atmosphere, the lighting was designed to enhance the rooms, blending natural and artificial light. Special window coverings were designed to mask out natural light for filming situations.

Photographer: ©Matt Wargo Photography