University of New England Breaks Ground on Alfond Center for Health Sciences

The University of New England broke ground in late November of 2022 on the $93 million Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences in Portland, Maine. Collocating the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Institute for Inter-Professional Education, the 109,000-sf structure will address a state-wide shortage of physicians while accommodating allied health programs in nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, physician assistance, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social work. This dynamic nexus of medical education will feature flexible learning environments, state-of-the-art labs, and an interactive, 226-seat lecture hall. Supporting a pedagogy of team-based care, the collaborative facility will include clinical training pods, anatomy and physiology suites, seminar rooms, a student lounge, and faculty and administrative offices. A glass-enclosed walkway and a spacious green courtyard will encourage informal interaction and knowledge exchange between disciplines.

SMRT is providing architectural and engineering services for the highly sustainable building, which will leverage passive design strategies, water-source heat pumps, and energy recovery systems to achieve optimal energy efficiency. Extensive glazing will transmit natural light to interior spaces where exposed mass timber framing and finishes will boost occupant wellbeing. Completion is expected in summer of 2024.