Dental School Renovation
Architect: Luckett & Farley Architects & Engineers
Design Consultant: Odell Associates
Civil/Structural/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering: Luckett & Farley
Project Status: The project entered construction mid November 2009
Estimated Construction Completion: July 2011
Total Project Cost: $43,700,000.00
Estimated Construction Cost: $30,731,000.00
New Construction: 20,700 SF
Renovation: 191,500 SF
Description: The University of Louisville School of Dentistry is located in the heart of the Health Sciences campus at the intersection of Muhammad Ali and Preston Streets. The Dental School is currently in the process of transforming its forty year old chassis into one of the premier dental teaching institutions in the country. During the initial kick off meeting, several guiding principals were identified, which included operational objectives to increase the class sizes to 120 DMD students, modernize the facility, enhance the patient experience, and improve the Dental School image by creating a warm and inviting patient atmosphere.
In order to accomplish these goals, clinic spaces were consolidated and re-organized, new dental equipment will be provided, and the existing mechanical and electrical infrastructure will be upgraded to the latest standards.
The general, restorative, and hygiene clinics will be consolidate on the first and second floor. The radiology and oral surgery clinics will also be relocated to the first floor which will allow for easier public access. The pedodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and endodontic graduate programs will be consolidated on the third floor.
The new addition on the east façade will feature the main lobby and clinical waiting areas, administrative support functions as well as graduate conference rooms. The addition will also function as the new “front door” with a signature image which will allow access to natural day lighting, and provide a balance to the distinctive concrete structures that surround it.
The exterior design concept was developed around the theme of defining the future by honoring the past. The building design incorporates existing elements of roof overhands, columns and concrete panels to create a cohesive addition that will create and new and modern image. The distinctive and massive roof overhang is repeated with a curved metal panel soffit that mimics the visual lines of the existing façade. The trade mark round concrete columns on the existing building, are repeated in a metal panel system and are used to establish rhythm along the new façade and are capped with a strong horizontal cornice. The solid concrete panel walls are replaced with panels of glass that will allow daylight to filter into the space and highlight active zones within the new addition.
This building is being designed to be eligible for certification as a LEED facility.
