Finalized site plans and exterior design for a new Regional Academic Health Center in Bloomington, Ind., were approved today by the Indiana University Board of Trustees. The 735,000-square-feet complex will house Indiana University Health Bloomington inpatient and outpatient services as well as a 115,000-square-foot academic facility that will be used for health sciences education and research at Indiana University.

The new facility will bring together multiple medical specialties and outpatient services into one setting, and will also provide an environment in which Indiana University and Indiana University Health can partner to teach future generations of healthcare professionals.

The 620,000-square-foot, five-floor medical facility will allow for greater patient privacy through the use of patient transport areas, not visible to the general public. The outpatient portion will include a comprehensive cancer center, specialty physician offices, surgical suites, minor procedure area and a diagnostic center.

Indiana limestone, present throughout the University’s Bloomington campus, will be blended with brick highlights, which is typical in Indiana University Health facilities throughout the state. An abundance of glass will allow for natural light to stream through a multi-story atrium and main entry. Healing gardens and walking trails will be plentiful, and the orientation of patient rooms will take advantage of outdoor views. The Center will be LEED certified and environmentally friendly, incorporating water quality and conservation strategies, energy efficiency features, sustainable/recycled materials and indoor environment quality amenities.

Special intent was paid to how students and faculty will interact with providers, nurses and other medical professionals including the creation of shared spaces.