The University of Utah School of Dental Medicine in Salt Lake City, UT received an “Outstanding Design” Award for the 2019 American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase.
The 83,783 SF facility encompasses cutting-edge classrooms, laboratories, and dental clinics. The design team, comprised of trusted local firm MHTN Architects, Inc. and national expert in dental education Kahler Slater, was challenged to provide an environment which would attract and inspire students, faculty and staff while creating a professional, safe space for patient care. Kahler Slater led the dental education programming, planning, and interior design, which consisted of terracotta, colored glass, wood/concrete accents and interesting floor patterning to create an inspiring environment and define various areas for students and patients.
Additional key design elements included integrating graphics onto glass elements to identify areas within clinics and visually break down open patient care spaces still providing for faculty observation. Additionally, a bold graphic textile provides visual interest in the open clinic environments where artwork is otherwise difficult to incorporate. Throughout, flooring and furnishings were carefully considered to address safety, cleanability and noise. Building and finish materials were also chosen to enhance the sustainability goals of the university, which led to LEED Silver Certification.
The building’s design has been recognized as reflecting the School’s commitments to exemplary care, leadership and innovation.
Listing of award winners here.