The Practice was commissioned by the University to design a new library and teaching facility to form the new face of the Cardiff University School of Medicine, on the Heath Hospital campus and provides a physical and symbolic link between the University and the Health Board. The 6,200m2 medical education building provides accommodation over six floors with a roof level plantroom. The design includes two atria spaces which provide legible circulation routes through the building, enhance cross fertilisation and interaction between users, encouraging chance meeting and creating an atmosphere for informal discussions. The atria spaces also facilitate natural light and ventilation into the core of the building.
The facility houses clinical skills and high-tech simulation laboratories, postgraduate teaching areas, seminar space and student support services, together with offices and student social learning space associated with the library facility for all five healthcare schools on the Campus. A new external plaza connects it to the recently completed Ty Dewi Sant Lecture Theatre Building (also by Powell Dobson).
