Highly regarded for its School of Nursing, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) faced a pressing need for expansion due to rapid growth. Administrators therefore embarked on a project to replace outdated facilities—however, a versatile swing space was required to prevent class disruptions while supporting diverse pedagogies.
Photographer: Sterling E. Stevens
The ITS Manning building, which formerly housed UNC’s Information Technology Services (ITS), was chosen as the ideal location. With 12,128 sq. ft. of vacant space, it could easily accommodate the nursing program during construction and potentially serve as a hub for overflow classes following the new hall’s completion.
Thoughtful space planning was essential to meet the needs of the Education Innovation Simulation Learning Environment (EISLE) department, which demands four health assessment and five skills laboratories, along with dedicated biobehavioral labs.
Spanning two levels, the reimagined facility now functions as the heart of student activities.
On the second floor, generic offices were transformed into adaptable faculty and exam rooms and biobehavioral labs, including a freezer room and two wet labs with biosafety cabinets for handling infectious agents. These features allow students to develop their clinical skills, practice security protocols and engage in collaborative learning for improved real-world patient care.
On the second level, outdated quarters were converted into an additional simulation hub with debrief and storage spaces, as well as nine labs emulating various types of care, including home, hospital and nursing home settings.
A break room was also reimagined as a preparation area where the teaching team can create mock bodily fluids and interact with high-fidelity mannikins. The mannikins incorporate smart technology, enabling faculty to program their voices, movements and even imitate bleeding—students are encouraged to resolve these issues using their learned nursing care skills.
Additionally, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems were rebalanced to mitigate stagnant airflow, and a unique psychological exam room was created with surveillance infrastructure to ensure privacy during sensitive discussions and observations. Intended for use by the school’s biobehavioral group, which focuses on child psychology, it comes equipped with cameras and a separate entrance, providing comfort for families exploring trauma.
A standout campus addition, the revitalized swing space not only ensures continuity for the School of Nursing, but fosters a sense of community and operational excellence, solidifying UNC’s reputation as a leader in nursing education.
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