Founded in 1962, Greenville Technical College empowers students and strengthens its community through world-class, affordable education. With an enrollment of approximately 12,000 academic students in Fall 2024 across five academic schools, the college continues to be a cornerstone of opportunity and innovation for the region. In collaboration with Prisma Health, a prominent not-for-profit health organization committed to enhancing the health and well-being of the communities it serves, Greenville Technical College developed an innovative health and life sciences facility—the Prisma Health Center for Health and Life Sciences. Designed to attract, prepare, and retain the healthcare workforce of the future, this state-of-the-art center is the largest across the college’s four campuses and marks its first new construction in 15 years. Today, the health and life sciences center stands as a dynamic hub of collaborative learning and innovation.
Greenville, SC
Industry: Higher Education Occupants: 500+ Size: 137,000 square feet
McMillan Pazdan Smith & JMZ
PMC
The Prisma Health Center for Health and Life Sciences architectural theme, “Learning on Display,” celebrates scientific exploration and transparency. Exposed pipes, ductwork, and infrastructure mirror the detailed examination of the human body, reflecting the hands-on, investigative approach students experience in the classroom. This approach encourages students to engage deeply with their studies. Expansive glass walls fill the space with natural light, showcasing vibrant, engaged learning environments and fostering a culture of curiosity and interaction.
Located just inside the entrance to the facility, the Active Learning Classroom sets the tone for collaboration, with hexagonal tables designed to resemble the interlocking molecular structure of DNA. Easily rearranged to support group work, these tables enhance flexibility and interaction.
The hexagonal motif is carried throughout the building, appearing on windows, furniture, and interior design elements. This pattern evokes the concept of a beehive, symbolizing the collaborative, interconnected style of learning the college encourages.
Classrooms feature advanced technology, including whiteboards, digital screens, and tools to support remote learning. The Anatomage Lab, equipped with cutting-edge anatomy tools such as a life-size screen that portrays digital cadavers, provides an immersive and modern learning experience.
The Prisma Health Center for Health and Life Sciences offers welcoming spaces that inspire students to linger and connect, fostering a sense of belonging. The top-floor lounge provides stunning campus views and a variety of seating options for solo work, collaboration, or relaxation.
Casual gathering areas with lounge seating and high-top tables are intentionally scattered throughout the hallways and staircases to facilitate impromptu meetings or quick breaks. These “in-between” spaces encourage spontaneous problem-solving and camaraderie, building a supportive community for students and faculty alike .
Faculty offices are located in close proximity to classrooms and student lounge spaces. This promotes accessibility and interaction, while the office design maintains privacy. There are spaces for quiet work, collaborative lounge spaces, and break rooms to reenergize and recharge. To ensure comfort and productivity, all faculty areas feature ergonomic furniture, including height-adjustable desks, ample storage, and technology integration. Natural light and outdoor views are prioritized, promoting well-being and focus.
The Prisma Health Center for Health and Life Sciences at Greenville Technical College epitomizes a space where students thrive, faculty excel, and a community flourishes. Through cutting-edge technology, adaptable learning environments, and welcoming collaborative spaces, the center is the embodiment of the best in modern education and student engagement.
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