College of Nursing home is first building at Ohio State to earn designation
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has awarded The Ohio State University College of Nursing’s Jane E. Heminger Hall WELL Gold Certification for its construction and design features that promote and support health and well-being. It is the first building at Ohio State to earn this designation.
“This certification is a meaningful affirmation of our deep commitment to creating spaces where everyone who enters Heminger Hall—whether to learn, to work or simply to visit—has access to resources designed to support their overall health and well-being,” said Karen Rose, PhD, RN, FGSA, FNAP, FAAN, dean and professor at the College of Nursing.
The WELL Building Standard evaluates how buildings support human health across ten evidence-based categories: air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind and community. Organizations that achieve Gold-level certification demonstrate excellence across all of these dimensions.
The College of Nursing collaborated with several external design and construction experts, including Ken Cleaver, AIA, LEED AP, and Jessica Glorius-Dangelo, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, LFA, who led sustainability efforts and WELL Certification, both with MA Design. The college also partnered with Ruscilli Construction and subcontractors Karpinski Engineering and Intertek.
“From the beginning, the building was imagined as a ‘Winter Garden of Wellness,’” said Cleaver. “The architectural expression and detailing all reinforce that central concept. Every decision we made—from broad planning to the smallest detail—was guided by the desire to support the daily well-being of the students, faculty and staff. Together with the College of Nursing, university partners and the entire design team, we created a space that truly nurtures well-being.”
Heminger Hall incorporates wellness-focused features such as hydration stations throughout the building including in the largest, flex classroom, elliptical ramps that encourage movement and work and learning spaces filled with natural light. These elements reflect the college’s “Built for Wellness” approach and contribute to a more connected, health-centered environment.
“The building’s design was intentionally centered on promoting occupant health and well-being, with a focus on mind, movement and community,” said Glorius-Dangelo. “My favorite part is the biophilic elements woven throughout—from the nature-inspired atrium railing pattern and fireplace to the water feature and abundant daylight—which create a calming, connected environment. One of the most impressive, but less visible, features is the radiant flooring system, which not only enhances comfort but has significantly reduced the building’s overall energy consumption.”
“The WELL Gold Certification is an awesome recognition of our shared vision to create a place that reflects the idea that wellness is part of our college’s DNA,” said Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, former College of Nursing dean and university chief wellness officer, as well as a leading advocate for Heminger Hall’s planning and construction. “I extend a huge dose of gratitude to the college’s leadership team – especially to Laurel Van Dromme, who skillfully managed and executed this initiative – and every contributor who helped bring this dream to fruition.”
