University of Miami Medical Education & Research Building

Project Statement

A Thoughtful, Holistic Architectural Response 

The design concept is grounded in master planning strategy and design empathy, by transforming a fragmented site into a livable campus. It integrates educational, research, social, and residential functions while addressing Miami’s tropical climate, urban density, and cultural identity. The design creates a specific and cohesive sense of place. The terraces form shades at each level, reducing heat gain naturally, while native planting, rooftop solar energy systems, and open-air gardens reinforce sustainability. 

The terraces connect street-level views to the skyline. A raised plaza welcomes visitors with lush gardens and accessible walkways.

Each floor is layered by program, with food and beverage options, flexible learning environments that cater to evolving medical education, and Student Life spaces that promote wellness with roof gardens and lounges. Clinical simulation centers, faculty housing, and student residences anchor academic life within a single vertical system. Shared circulation, transparency, and varied spaces encourage collaboration, spontaneity, and community.

Student well-being drives the design, integrating adaptable academic spaces, open commons, and peer-focused lounges. Visual Connections between levels promote interdisciplinary collaboration. A landscaped southern courtyard serves as a civic facing green space for events, wellness, and community engagement, extending the campus inclusivity.

Simulation rooms accommodate future technologies, while modular studios adapt for lectures, labs, and group work, ensuring operational agility. Materials and structure reflect Miami’s architectural identity with a modern, approachable aesthetic of glass, light, and transparency. The raised ground floor masks below-grade parking and links the building to public transit via a skybridge, creating an accessible campus hub for years to come. The design concept is more than a facility – it’s a convergence of space, purpose, and interaction. In a dense urban setting often lacking clarity or community, this design fosters academic excellence and human connection. It encourages collaboration across departments and generations, cultivating campus pride while engaging the city. From public plazas to rooftop gardens, every element reflects a belief in meaningful design that elevates lives, shapes legacy, and connects people through a strong sense of place.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

1. Design for Integration

This project integrates education, research, and healthcare, creating a cohesive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. By combining learning spaces, research laboratories, and patient-centered facilities, the design supports interdisciplinary interaction, enhancing medical education and advancing healthcare outcomes. The building’s layout likely promotes seamless connectivity between these functions, ensuring efficiency and synergy.


1. Design for Well-being

The design prioritizes occupant well-being through patient-centered spaces, access to natural light, and biophilic elements like green spaces or views of nature. Quiet study areas and communal zones for medical students and researchers enhance mental health, while ergonomic, accessible design ensures comfort for all users, including patients, staff, and visitors.


1. Design for Energy

The project aims to incorporate sustainable strategies, such as energy-efficient systems, optimized building orientation, and renewable energy sources. These elements reduce environmental impact while lowering operating costs, reflecting a commitment to long-term sustainability in healthcare and research environments.


1. Design for Change

Terraced shading, native planting, and rooftop solar address Miami’s climate risks, while elevated plazas and transit links strengthen site resilience. Inside, modular classrooms, convertible studios, and simulation labs anticipate evolving technologies and teaching models. With courtyards, roof gardens, and open commons that support wellness and passive survivability, the building is designed to adapt over time, ensuring long-term value for the campus and community.