Training the Next Generation of Nurses

At Indiana University School of Nursing, preparing students for real-world clinical environments is central to the curriculum. As part of the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis campus, the facility supports a wide range of programs, research, and hands-on learning experiences.

Outdated Spaces, Evolving Education

Housed within a building originally constructed in 1946, the School of Nursing’s environment had become fragmented and misaligned with current teaching methods. Traditional classrooms and segregated departments limited collaboration, while the growing need for simulation-based learning demanded more flexible, realistic training environments.

Simulating Practice, Planning for the Future

Synthesis partnered with the School of Nursing to design a 10,000-square-foot Simulation Center, one of the first of its kind in the Midwest. The space replicates real hospital environments through flexible patient stations, exam rooms, and simulation labs equipped with advanced mannequins and technology, allowing students to practice critical care procedures in a controlled setting. Building on this success, Synthesis led a comprehensive master plan for the 123,750-square-foot facility. Through workshops with 11 stakeholder groups, the team reimagined the building’s organization, prioritizing student-centered spaces, improving departmental connections, and aligning environments with evolving pedagogies. The plan introduced a clear zoning strategy, placing active, collaborative spaces on lower levels and more controlled environments above, while integrating classrooms, labs, and shared learning areas.

A More Connected, Experiential Learning Environment

The Simulation Center and master plan together position the School of Nursing as a leader in healthcare education. By combining immersive training environments with a flexible, student-focused framework, the facility supports collaboration, innovation, and real-world readiness, creating a stronger foundation for the next generation of nurses.