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993A Groundbreaking - Image 04 - Aerial FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 05 - Entry Lawn FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 07 - Healing Gardens FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 06 - Amphitheater FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 09 - Woodland FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 08 - Pond FINAL
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993A Groundbreaking - Image 11 - Clinic Waiting FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 12 - Library FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 13 - Student Lounge FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 01 - Context Plan FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 02 - Site Plan FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 03 - Level 01 FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 04 - Aerial FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 05 - Entry Lawn FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 07 - Healing Gardens FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 06 - Amphitheater FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 09 - Woodland FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 08 - Pond FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 10 - Entry Gallery FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 11 - Clinic Waiting FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 12 - Library FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 13 - Student Lounge FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 01 - Context Plan FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 02 - Site Plan FINAL
993A Groundbreaking - Image 03 - Level 01 FINAL

Alice L. Walton School of Medicine

Bentonville, AR

The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine will create a new paradigm of medical education that integrates a holistic approach with conventional medicine. Founded in 2021 by philanthropist Alice Walton, the School of Medicine will offer a four-year, medical degree-granting program that integrates conventional medicine with holistic principles and self-care practices.

The design integrates the building into both the site and the community, engaging the land as an abstraction of Ozark geology that embraces the principles of integrated medicine, and the holistic link between mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

The building design features four levels and will include learning halls and small group rooms, a library, clinical teaching spaces, administrative offices, a student lounge, theater, recreation and wellness areas, and more. Underground parking as well as an entry-level parking area for visitors completes the design.

Conceived as an extension of Crystal Bridges’ forest, the trails seamlessly extend onto the School’s campus; the ridges of the building’s structure create valleys, provide shade, and generate views within and beyond. The building’s front corner elevates above the ground-plane, creating a protective canopy that allows community access through and onto the building. Whether arriving by foot, bicycle, or vehicle, the campus invites students and visitors under the abstracted “bluff shelter” on the building’s public façade facing J Street.

Outdoor features of the rooftop park and surrounding site, designed by NYC-based design studio OSD, focus on holistically integrating the building with the woodlands of Crystal Bridges. Thoughtfully designed to support accessible pedestrian and bike networks, stewardship of regional ecology, and community connections, the site’s landscape features include a woodland meditation and foraging and healing gardens, wetland, outdoor classrooms, urban farming space, and a rooftop terrace that connects to balconies, a cafe, and an amphitheater.

Press

https://www.alwmedschool.org/blogs/introducing-the-awsom-green-roof.html

https://www.alwmedschool.org/blogs/awsom-highlights-from-2023-.html

https://www.alwmedschool.org/blogs/the-vision-behind-the-school-why-northwest-arkansas-.html

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Categories

  • Featured, Higher Education, Education, New Hospital Facilities

Project Contact

Wesley Walls, AIA
Principal
Little Rock

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Little Rock

801 South Spring Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 378-0878
pswarchitects@polkstanleywilcox.com

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300 West Dickson Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 444-0473

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