O'More Architecture Students Design Neighborhood Clinic+

On Tuesday, Jan. 9, O’More College of Architecture and Design commenced its architecture studio 6 course with a one-day competitive charrette – an intensive and collaborative design session, focused on generating ideas for a specific project. This charrette was in partnership with the American Institute of Architects Middle TN’s Academy of Architecture for Health (AHA). At the end of the day, students showcased their “Neighborhood Clinic+” designs to a room full of healthcare and design professionals.

Sam Burnette, principal at ESa and member of the local AHA committee, said, “We’re proud to partner with the O’More College of Architecture and Design on this project that could spark an interest for healthcare clinic owners at a national level and bring new, community engagement energy to the status quo clinics we’ve all encountered.”

Before presenting to the jury, student teams spent the day being mentored by local architects and designing an urgent care clinic for North Nashville, as well as an additional community space that promotes physical, mental and vocational wellness and creates an environment of belonging. Nursing faculty were also on-site to provide guidance around patient care needs and optimizing a healthcare facility.

The jury consisted of James Bearden (Gresham Smith),Cyril Stewart (Cyril Stewart LLC), Zach Wideman (HCA Design Manager), Margaret Owens (Mercy Community Healthcare) and Dr. Sharrel Pinto (dean of Belmont’s College of Pharmacy of Health Sciences).

Fourth-year students Emily Schiedemeyer, Honor Thomas and Olivia Hobbs made first place with their team design that incorporated rotating mobile clinics to provide services such as dental care and vaccinations, along with bringing books and computers to the community.  “We wanted to bring additional health and wellness resources to this site and neighborhood on a need basis, without the cost of using permanent real estate,” said Schiedemeyer. “This was our first time working on a healthcare project and it was a great way to be introduced to this kind of design. In my time as a student here, I’ve gotten to experience firsthand what working in the architecture profession looks like, how to interact with potential clients and get a feel for what area of architecture I am more interested in working in.”

In the following course, taught by Josh Yates (Belmont Innovation Labs) and Fernando Lima (O’More), students are exploring the Social Determinants of Health framework, developing research and continuing to design for healthcare and well-being in the Nashville community.

"Nashville is known for two things: healthcare and the arts. At Belmont, we lean into those strengths, creating synergies that help people and communities flourish,” said Erin Shankel, associate dean of graduate nursing & associate professor. “This will allow students to sit down with local architects and nurse leaders to design physical environments that promote improved health outcomes. I think this charrette is just the beginning of a powerful collaboration between architecture and nursing at Belmont."