CU Anschutz SODM Simulation Hub Completion
Denver, CO (June 16, 2023) – Howell Construction recently completed reconfiguring an existing space into the new home for the CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine Simulation Hub. Existing conference rooms, classrooms, and open floor plan were removed to make way for the new simulation space. Once demolition was finished, eight dental simulation pods with a total of 42 dental workstations were added to the area. Each pod contains several chairs arranged in a circle and is equipped with vacuum and compressed air to simulate medical gases. Designed by Hord Coplan Macht, this circular simulation space is among the first of its kind, globally.
The space features a centralized teacher area with tables and a unique audio-visual package. The AV system includes two flat screen TV displays and two demonstration cameras aimed at the teacher station. In addition, each student seat has an individual TV display for teacher-to-student broadcast capability. The system is designed so that each student can also broadcast to the instructor for one-on-one interaction. The finished space contains a dispensary and milling room where milling machines and 3D printers provide comprehensive digital dentistry experiences, along with technologies such as avatars to enhance student learning and performance evaluation. Additional finish items included millwork cabinets, sinks, and hallway lockers.
“Howell is proud of our ongoing partnership with the CU Anschutz campus, which spans more than six years and includes more than 20 projects of varying sizes,” said Andy Stewart, Vice President at Howell. “The project types we get to build at CU Anschutz are usually unlike anything we do elsewhere.” Howell’s scope also included a new air compressor and vacuum pumps. These were installed on the second floor of the occupied building on a structural steel platform spanning existing ductwork. All work on this platform was completed after hours to minimize impact and to accommodate active classroom schedules. The project required high levels of coordination with the CU Facilities team to coordinate utility shutdowns and tie ins.
