Little
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Carrington Hall
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Project Type
Higher Education, Science
Size
110,000 Square Feet
Design Services
Architecture, Engineering, Interior Architecture
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is undertaking a transformative renovation and addition project at Carrington Hall to modernize the School of Nursing's aging facility.
This project will replace the outdated west wing, built in 1969, with a state-of-the-art Nursing Education Building. The new facility will span 110,000 square feet and is designed to enhance learning, research, and collaboration. It will also improve accessibility, foster innovation, and create connections while addressing critical infrastructure and safety challenges. Designed by Little Diversified Architectural Consulting and Ayers Saint Gross, this redevelopment will strengthen UNC's role in training the next generation of highly skilled nurses to address North Carolina's growing nursing shortage.
PROJECT GOALS
Carrington Hall is evolving into a unified, modern hub for nursing education.
The design of Carrington Hall was guided by a vision to unite the nursing community, embody Carolina Nursing’s compassion and leadership, and honor founder Elizabeth Carrington’s values of advocacy, innovation, empowerment, and respect. Rooted in the Leading with Light philosophy, these principles shaped a facility that not only reflects the school’s mission but also supports the evolving needs of nursing education.
DESIGN OBJECTIVES
- Improve the connection between the old wing and the new addition
- Maximize natural light
- Enhance student experience
*Rendering courtesy of Ayers Saint Gross, partnering design firm.
Solutions
The design of Carrington Hall’s newest addition seamlessly integrates education, research, and collaboration spaces while prioritizing accessibility and sustainability. ADA-compliant pathways and clear wayfinding improve pedestrian flow through the medical campus, while adaptable classrooms and research hubs support evolving teaching methods. Tiered plazas and open courtyards encourage social learning, and floor-to-ceiling windows seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an inspiring atmosphere for the next generation of nurses.
UNIFYING THE NURSING COMMUNITY
Breaking down physical barriers between the East and West wings
Replacing the original wing with a new addition enabled the design team to create a daylit circulation core, enhancing movement and connectivity. A monumental central staircase unifies the three entry levels, serving as both a visual focal point and a hub for interaction, overlooking key gathering spaces to enrich the student experience.
*Rendering courtesy of Ayers Saint Gross, partnering design firm.
HANDS-ON LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Spaces that simulate real-world scenarios
The Education Innovation Simulation Learning Environment (EISLE) provides cutting-edge nursing simulation and clinical learning spaces, enabling students to train in realistic, high-tech environments. This hands-on approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for real-world patient care.
ADDRESSING THE NURSING SHORTAGE
Creating space to bolster the healthcare workforce
By increasing Carrington Hall’s space by 20,000 square feet, UNC is poised to expand its class sizes and train more nurses to meet the state’s projected shortage of 12,500 nurses and 132 nurse educators by 2033. This investment in modernized facilities directly contributes to strengthening North Carolina’s healthcare workforce.
*Rendering courtesy of Ayers Saint Gross, partnering design firm.
“We are investing together in something much greater. We are investing in the future of nursing and in nursing science, in the future of health, and in the future of care of our communities.”
– Valerie Howard
Dean of the School of Nursing at UNC Chapel Hill
