Ferris State University Michigan College of Optometry

This LEED Gold academic, laboratory and clinical facility features a bold arrangement of forms and the artful combination of metal panel, glass and brick.

The design of the new 82,661 sf facility incorporates elements and materials common to neighboring buildings in a bold arrangement of forms. The first floor is dedicated to a modern eye and vision care clinic.  The second floor lobby was created as the main entry for the College and provides a number of spaces for students to study, collaborate and socialize.   This dynamic space features a monumental stair which provides access to the classrooms and labs located on the second and third floors. The second floor includes flexible flat-floored classrooms, a virtual classroom and a computer lab. The third-floor pre-clinic laboratory features teaching-in-the round, a one-of-a-kind optometric educational experience allowing the student direct line-of-sight contact with the professor from their respective optical lanes. The LEED Gold building features a super energy efficient exterior envelope with an exterior wall R value that is 28% higher than required by the energy code. Overall energy performance is approximately 17.5% better than conventionally constructed buildings. “M” Award for Excellence in Masonry Design, Masonry Institute of Michigan and AIA Michigan