Michigan Technological University Anatomy & Physiology Learning Lab. This room is at the intersection of several travel paths and allows students to take a daily tour of the research and science on show in the building. This room is intended to foster collaboration and openness.
Rendering copyright HED
It’s clear that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning is crucial for developing critical thinking skills for learners of all ages. STEM areas are foundational to a student’s ultimate success in today’s technology dense world. Lab planning teams help colleges, universities, as well as high schools, reimagine their STEM spaces (and cut costs) using creative right-sizing techniques and the latest technology. Cadaver visualization systems are just a few of the imaging technologies that these STEM education departments can use to tap into the virtual world.
In STEM, health, and medical/dental/veterinary learning facilities, technology is an integral part of a well-conceived and designed learning environment. The space should support multiple learning methods using a variety technology solutions. Systems that interface with displayed images and allow both the learning and educator to manipulate those images is a developing technology that can be leveraged to increase the learner’s cognition and relieve pressure of stretched academic budgets.
Simulated learning is a major component of STEM and learner-centered health environments. Next, animal dissection is performed. Human cadavers are used for both anatomy and technique education. Emerging technologies (like an Anatomage table—an operating-bed sized table that provides highly accurate, 3D visualizations of human and animal anatomy) allow for an immersive, interactive experience and reduce (not eliminate) the need for cadavers. This can reduce space requirements and HVAC/piping requirements. Reduced use of cadavers in STEM education can increase space and save money. These technologies could replace cadaver usage in K-12 and higher education.
In a recent project at Michigan Technological University (MTU), HED’s lab planning design team was tasked with developing an innovative learning space for an undergraduate anatomy and physiology (A&P) class. The class is envisioned as an entry to A&P and is situated in the university’s new H-STEM Complex, providing students a foundational class and the experience of seeing science on display in the chemistry, kinesiology, and biomedical research ongoing in the building and the existing attached Chem Sci facility.
This room offers many strategies for learners to create a stimulating and productive learning environment. It also has clear sightlines. The oval air stations draw odors away form the work area, making the room more pleasant for all and keeping views unobstructed. The oval table encourages student collaboration and facilitates movement throughout the lab space. Two Anatomage tables were also included in the design process. These tables allow students to view both animal and human specimens in many different ways. For example, they can be sliced by system (circulatory/endocrine or digestive). The information is displayed on large touch-sensitive flat monitors that can be positioned in various ways to allow for better viewing. For lecture-style learning, the display can be mirrored at large classroom monitors. The tables are placed at the glass corridor wall in the MTU learning lab to display the science.
Higher education learning labs require different levels of HVAC control, safety considerations and interactive/AV/IT support. A cadaver laboratory is an essential part of anatomy and physiology, as well as in medicine schools. It is also vital for nursing schools and schools of medicine. It is essential to have experience in incisions, seeing internal structures, and understanding systems relationships.
Section of Santa Monica High School Discovery Building. This section contains the mini lab, A&P multipurpose learning laboratory, and the connection to the collaboration communs. Technologically sound solutions allow images from the mini lab to be displayed in either space. This increases the potential for science.
Graphic copyright HED & Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners
At the new Discovery Building on Santa Monica High School’s campus, a mobile, collaborative environment was also implemented. The building section clearly displays the open, collaborative nature of this building. The third floor contains the multifunctional A&P lab, as well as allied learning spaces. HED and Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners designed Discovery’s labs. They were created to allow faculty to switch between learning modes as they needed. The student work surfaces did not require exhaust measures as there is very little preserved specimen usage. The central tables are easily reconfigured to support teams of four to six students. Large overhead doors connect the class labs and create an open, collaborative space. The Anatomage mini lab can be seen from both the main laboratory and the collaboration commons. This makes science visible, allowing students to see the anatomical systems that other students are studying, as well as the full lab.
HED’s teams work with clients to reduce footprint required for cadaver use in a variety of learning environments. It is possible to reduce the space required for cadaver storage, prep area, and learning space footprint by using technological and VR solutions. This is a significant advancement in the learning environment. Education dollars can be saved on space and/or equipment (cooling and air handling), storage, circulation, disposal, etc. This environment supports remote learning. This technology can be used in clinical settings as well. HED is committed to creating environments that promote better experience and deeper communication. HED envisions these tools as a way to enable clinicians to share images remotely, or in person, for patient consultations, surgical prep, and clinical analysis.
Marilee Lloyd, National Leader for Laboratory Planning at HED. Marilee Lloyd has over 35 years experience in laboratory planning, programming, and architecture. Setting high-level strategic goals and ensuring that equipment placement and material selection are done correctly. She is well-respected because of her passion for collaborative design.
