BALANCING DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE AT SWOSU'S NEW HEALTH CENTER

When designing the Jerry and Margaret Hodge Pharmacy and Rural Health Center at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, an important goal was creating a building that felt connected to the existing campus while introducing updated materials and design elements. MA+ Architecture has worked with SWOSU for more than 25 years, providing an understanding of the campus, its facilities, and the preferences of the university's maintenance staff.

The intent was to create an interior that felt fresh and updated without being so modern that it seemed disconnected from the surrounding campus. This balance was achieved through the overall interior material palette, with flooring playing an important role.

The new facility brings together pharmacy education, research, faculty offices, student spaces, and community healthcare services. Each area has different functional requirements, making flooring selection an important part of creating a cohesive environment that also performs well over time.

A Bright First Impression

White terrazzo was selected for the main entrance, lobby, and student lounge to create a bright, welcoming environment. The white background provides a clean appearance with a subtle sparkle, while blue and gray aggregate connects the flooring to SWOSU's school colors.

Two mixed-metal accent bands were incorporated into the terrazzo, aligning with architectural elements in the ceiling and continuing the design established in the exterior paving. These details help connect the flooring to the overall architecture rather than allowing it to feel like a separate finish.

In the student lounge, carpet tile was inset into the terrazzo to define gathering areas and create a more comfortable, residential feel. The carpet adds softness and acoustic benefits while maintaining a flush transition without the need for transition strips.

Selecting Materials for Different Functions

With such a wide range of activities taking place within the building, flooring selections needed to respond to the specific requirements of each space.

Mohawk carpet tile was used in faculty offices, administrative areas, conference rooms, and two formal classrooms. Different patterns from the same collection provide variety while maintaining continuity throughout the building.

The Custer County Health Department presented a different set of priorities. Nora rubber flooring with welded seams was selected for corridors, exam rooms, the lab, and vitals areas, where cleanability and infection control are important considerations. The range of available colors also provided an opportunity to incorporate school spirit and create a welcoming environment without compromising the functional needs of a healthcare setting.

Polished concrete was selected for the research labs and second-floor classrooms. With a new concrete slab, this was a practical choice that aligned with SWOSU's preference for materials that are durable and easy to maintain. Eliminating the need for routine stripping and waxing was an important consideration for the university's maintenance staff.

Finding Opportunity in Value Engineering

One of the project's most distinctive flooring features developed from an unexpected change during value engineering.

Terrazzo was originally planned for the second-floor corridors, continuing the material used throughout the main public spaces. However, the terrazzo was eliminated to help bring the project within budget, resulting in savings of more than $250,000.

While losing the terrazzo was initially disappointing, the change created an opportunity to explore a different approach. The color options available in UPO quartz flooring made it possible to develop a three-color plaid pattern for the corridors.

The pattern was not part of the original design concept but emerged as a creative response to the need for a new flooring solution. SWOSU was receptive to the unexpected approach, and the design received an enthusiastic response when presented to the university's vice president.

What began as a material substitution ultimately became one of the building's most distinctive design elements. It also demonstrated that value engineering does not always have to result in a less interesting design.

A Building That Belongs

The completed building feels connected to SWOSU's campus while introducing updated materials and a few unexpected design elements. Each flooring selection contributes to an interior that balances aesthetics, functionality, and long-term performance.

The response from students, faculty, and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. As designers, we spend so much time considering the details of a project, but seeing people genuinely enjoy the spaces we create is ultimately the most rewarding part of our work.

 About the Author

Kalie Sheppard, NCIDQ, is a Senior Licensed Interior Designer at MA+ Architecture with nearly a decade of experience specializing in K–12 and higher education design. Her work emphasizes thoughtful design decisions at every scale, with an understanding that even the smallest details can influence how people experience a space.