5TH

The existing Fairfield University School of Nursing is tucked against a peaceful, serene wooded area that is found throughout campus as well as the greater Fairfield community. The school began to see an increase in enrollment as well as a strong need to respond to contemporary and evolving learning trends, so it was imperative that they look at how to accommodate these needs as soon as possible.

As one begins to study the existing building and the opportunity for expansion, a respect for the environment became a driving force for the development of future facilities. A given footprint was established that allowed for future expansion but the program also had to rely on the existing facilities as a long term solution. Balancing the development of program, adjacencies, and cost resulted in a solution for an addition as well as the renovation of the existing school - all while still respecting the Fifth Wall - nature.