MassBay Community College Center for Health Sciences, Early Childhood, and Human Services, Framingham, Mass.
As the first purpose-built space for MassBay’s Health Sciences program, MassBay Community College Center for Health Sciences, Early Childhood, and Human Services in Framingham, Mass., is a hub for hands-on learning for the next generation of health and human services professionals.
Opened in 2024, the net-zero energy learning and training facility occupies a prominent corner along public transportation routes on Franklin Street, anchored by an inviting planted garden.
The building massing comprises two compact volumes of classroom and lab spaces, creating a functional and efficient home for the project’s programs, and connected by a central, glass-bound atrium, which houses a cafe and lounge areas.
An enclosed courtyard is used for outdoor emergency-response training exercises and student activities.
Healthcare simulation center
The certified simulation center houses 12 classrooms and 10 active-learning and simulation labs dedicated to training in emergency medicine, paramedicine, simulation, nursing, radiology, sonography, and phlebotomy, as well as early childhood education. Large windows allow passersby to see the inside to the activities of the simulation suite.
Study nooks are interspersed along the circulation routes that connect the academic spaces to the lobby. Eighty-five percent of students are involved in full- or part-time employment, and the majority commute to campus, making these interstitial spaces vital for supporting the varied rhythms of working and learning, while also helping foster a sense of belonging.
Prioritizing sustainability
The $48 million, 4-story project features a recycled steel building frame and high-performance building envelope.
Flooring throughout the building is made from natural and renewable materials such as linseed oil, flax, pulverized wood, jute, and cork dust.
MassBay Community College Center for Health Sciences, Early Childhood, and Human Services project details
Location: Framingham, Mass.
Completion date: 2024
Owner: Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
Total building area: 71,000 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: $48 million
Cost/sq. ft.: $676
Architect: Sasaki, Studio ENÉE Architects (associate design architect)
Landscape architect: Sasaki
Interior designer: Sasaki and Studio ENÉE Architects with DCAMM Furniture Group
General contractor: Lee Kennedy Company Inc.
Engineer: RSE Associates Inc. (structural), BR+A Consulting Engineers (MEP/FP, audio/visual, information technology, security, lighting), Cavanaugh Tocci (acoustic), Nitsch Engineering (civil)
Art/pictures: MASARY Studios
Ceiling/wall systems: CRL Interior Glass Wall Systems, USG, 9Wood Ceilings
Lighting: Graybar
Signage/wayfinding: Bluebird Graphic Solutions (manufacturer), Studio ENÉE Architects (designer)
Wallcoverings: Sherwin-Williams
Project details are provided by the design team and not vetted by Healthcare Design.
