Western Carolina University Health & Human Sciences Building

Cullowhee, North Carolina
Clark Nexsen

WCU’s Health and Human Science Building is a 160,000 SF facility providing state–of- the- art learning environments. Nested into the mountainside, the design is a direct response to both site and program. Its location and form is defined by the site topography and solar orientation. The programmatic goal of inter-departmental collaboration drives the organization of the building in plan and section utilizing the multi-story Collaborative Center. Providing both physical and visual connections, this unifying element promotes interaction and engagement throughout the building. An expansive roof garden extends the space outdoors, reinforcing the building’s connection to the natural environment.