AWSOM

AWSOM, a new School of Medicine in Bentonville, seeks to be a nationally recognized medical school, widely known for its focus on whole health. The School of Medicine will offer future doctors a program that integrates conventional medicine with holistic principals and self-care practices. A first-of-its-kind medical school, students will get the chance to learn how to combat 21st century health challenges from leading medical practitioners and scientific minds.

To provide students and faculty with an inspiring learning environment, the space will keep the holistic connection between mental, physical, and emotional health in mind. The facility will have four levels and will include learning halls and small group rooms, a library, clinical teaching spaces, high fidelity simulation and virtual anatomy spaces, administrative offices, a student lounge, theater, recreation and wellness areas, and more. The site will feature underground parking as well as an entry-level parking area for visitors. Outside, students and the surrounding community will enjoy woodland meditation and foraging as well as healing gardens, a wetland, outdoor classrooms, urban farming space, and a rooftop terrace that connects to balconies, a cafe, and an amphitheater. By seamlessly integrating the building into the landscape and providing views and connecting trails to the surrounding Crystal Bridges’ Forest, students will have access to a truly beautiful learning environment. Henderson Engineers is providing building systems design services for this state-of-the-art facility.

Renderings of AWSOM by Polk Stanley Wilcox and OSD.