With a generous donation from philanthropist Edith R. Dixon, Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Nursing set out to consolidate its nursing education program into a single facility in Horsham, PA.
Challenge
Supporting the College’s ambitious growth plans required a facility that could provide more teaching, simulation, and collaboration space while maintaining a strong student-to-faculty ratio. The design needed to deliver realistic clinical learning environments and accommodate evolving approaches to nursing education.
Solution
We developed a design that organized the facility into three distinct action districts: Focus, Learn, and Apply. Faculty workspaces, a tiered lecture hall, and simulation lab are connected by a student-centered concourse filled with breakout, collaboration, and meeting spaces. Flexible classrooms support a range of learning activities, while upgraded air filtration systems and healthcare-grade finishes reinforce wellbeing and enhance the realism of the simulation experience.
Outcome
The Dixon Campus significantly increases education and simulation space, expands enrollment capacity, and supports additional faculty positions. As a vibrant extension of Thomas Jefferson University’s main campus, it advances the College of Nursing’s mission to transform nursing education while preparing students with the skills and experience needed to lead in modern healthcare environments.
A 200-seat tiered lecture hall anchors the Learn district, supporting lectures, collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning.
Flexible classrooms support a range of learning activities, from traditional instruction to CPR training and simulation exercises
Healthcare-grade finishes and enhanced air filtration systems create realistic simulation environments
With a generous donation from philanthropist Edith R. Dixon, Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Nursing sought to improve and consolidate its current nursing educational program into a single facility. The new 44,000 square-foot building has significantly increased education and simulation spaces, grown student enrollment and increased faculty teaching positions to help provide nurses with clinical skills, real-world preparation and an excellent student-to-faculty ratio. The new location in Horsham, PA, will provide the College the capacity to double its enrollment over the next five years and help get nurses to the front lines.
Working in collaboration with the College, NORR developed a design that divided the facility into three distinct action districts: Focus, Learn and Apply. Modern faculty spaces, a 200-seat tiered lecture space and simulation lab are supported by a student-centered concourse filled with break-out, collaboration and meeting space to keep the districts interconnected. Designing for workplace wellbeing, mechanical system filters were upgraded to provide better air quality throughout, and fabrics and finishes were selected to withstand the rigor and meet the same cleaning requirements of a health care environment, further enhancing the simulation experience. Flexible classrooms, sometimes used for CPR training, are large enough to accommodate socially distant seating arrangements.
This integral facility will significantly increase education and simulation spaces, grow student enrollment, and increase faculty teaching positions. The architecture and design for this project supports a nursing program that markets itself as “reimagining, transforming, and disrupting the way nurses lead and impact society.” Known as the Dixon campus, the Horsham location is today a lively extension of Thomas Jefferson University’s main campus that continues and grows the university’s commitment to providing an active, participatory academic journey for nursing students.
