School of Nursing
IMEG provided structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, technology, and acoustics engineering services and design, along with architectural lighting and commissioning, for the new classroom, research, and administrative facility for the Loyola University Niehoff School of Nursing. The four-story, 60,000-sf complex contains a state-of-the-art Clinical Performance Center with simulation labs where students work with computer-driven mannequins in patient room, CCU, and operating room settings.
The facility also houses a nursing research department, interactive classrooms ranging in size from 40 to 150 students, a cybercafé and virtual library with small group study areas, faculty offices, and administrative offices.
As part of its design, IMEG produced an energy model comparing the proposed building’s performance to a baseline model building. This energy model was continuously updated, and energy savings were monitored, throughout the entire design. IMEG also reviewed green design / LEED strategies for the project, incorporated them into the documents, and followed through with submission.
A main focus of the project was to incorporate energy efficiency strategies directly into the building’s design while also enhancing occupant experience and comfort.
IMEG’s design utilizes chilled structural slab with natural ventilation and central air handling units to reduce energy use. The first challenge was integrating the chilled slab tubing into the structural slab. Close coordination between the mechanical and structural engineers ensured both systems were satisfied within the same concrete slab.
The innovative design continued with the coupling of the chilled slab with natural ventilation when outside conditions are appropriate. The system includes all-glass “solar chimneys,” designed into the architecture, to act as the driving mechanism during natural ventilation, when they are open to each floor and to the outside at the top of the building. Fresh air enters through the open windows and is transported to the roof through the chimneys.
During cold weather, the solar chimneys are closed to the floors but open to the air handling units. Air is brought in through the chimneys and preconditioned and warmed by solar heat gain (due to the large glass surfaces) before reaching the air handling units.
