Bay Mills Community College is strategically addressing Michigan’s critical nursing shortage, a problem ranking among the ten most severe in the nation. To combat this pressing issue, the college is developing a state-of-the-art facility designed to significantly expand its Nursing and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/Paramedic programs to expand Allied Health / Integrative Health Services Education opportunities for tribal and non-tribal students. This expansion directly responds to the escalating demand for qualified healthcare professionals within the region.
Members of the community and college leadership had expressed concern over the lack of tribal identity with the existing facility. DSGW worked closely with cultural committee members and leadership to generate a building plan and site configuration that established directional connections to the land, embracing the relationship with Lake Superior and its surroundings.
The elongated wigwam form was incorporated as a defining design element to signify the primary building entries and provide students with an entry that greeted and welcomed them in a traditional way. Seeking to provide a clear tribal college identity, the exterior building envelope incorporates traditional woodland floral design elements and the Bay Mills Tribal and College seals. This expansion will provide the long-desired gateway to the campus, signaling the importance of Anishinaabe culture and the Bay Mills Indian Communities commitment to the region. Building upon the culturally responsive exterior, the interior design incorporates material pallet and finishes that celebrate the history of fishing, logging, and subsistence that define the community.
Opportunities for cultural displays and ceremonial activities are woven into the design, key to considerations in planning and design these features helped to shape the plan and organization within the building resulting in a space that students and staff can feel accepted and welcomed.
The first floor is meticulously planned to support diverse educational needs. In addition to the welcoming entryway, it houses a comprehensive campus and community library, a modern data center, a dedicated EMT/Paramedic classroom equipped with a simulation laboratory, and a functional ambulance truck bay. These spaces are designed to provide students with practical, hands-on learning experiences.
The second level is dedicated to fostering advanced nursing education. It features a nursing classroom and multiple simulation laboratories, allowing students to practice essential skills in a realistic environment. This floor also accommodates staff and administration offices, along with necessary support spaces, ensuring efficient program management and student support.
The third level serves as a vibrant hub for student life and community engagement. It encompasses a fully equipped commercial kitchen and dining area, a spacious student commons for relaxation and collaboration, and a versatile campus shared classroom. Additional staff and administration offices are also located on this level, facilitating seamless communication and support. The addition of a balcony allows for outdoor connections and expansive views of the shores of Lake Superior.
This comprehensive design ensures that the new facility not only addresses the healthcare workforce shortage but also creates a culturally responsive, supportive, and enriching educational environment for students and the community.