Morgan State University Health and Human Services Center

Morgan State University’s Health and Human Services Center (HHSC) demonstrates how STEM-H buildings can foster learning while aiding community health and wellness. Built on the site of a former National Guard armory, the new facility brings together the university’s health science disciplines under one roof while expanding vital healthcare access for Baltimore communities.

The timing of this new building is critical. According to the American Hospital Association, shortages within the allied health and behavioral health industry, especially in vulnerable rural and urban communities, are more prevalent today than ever. Aging populations, rising chronic diseases and behavioral health conditions—combined with increasing workforce deficiencies—undermine a challenged healthcare system’s ability to meet the demands of today while being prepared for the needs of tomorrow.

As a Historically Black University, Morgan State has long worked to improve community health outcomes, particularly in Baltimore neighborhoods where limited access to healthcare, wellness and behavioral health services has created significant disparities. With a goal of helping Morgan State lead the nation in evidence-based research for policymakers, this facility is particularly important for addressing the plight of marginalized communities in Baltimore and beyond. Morgan State is committed to producing next generation nurses and allied health professionals to care for our most underserved communities.

The HHSC advances this mission through evidence-based design that promotes comprehensive well-being for students, faculty, staff and neighboring communities, while supporting Morgan State’s aspiration to achieve R1 Research status—the highest research activity classification for doctoral universities.

Research and Academic Programs

The five-story structure integrates several academic programs, promoting collaboration across disciplines:

• School of Community Health and Policy (Nursing, Public and Allied Health, Nutritional Sciences, Center for Urban Health Equity and Morgan CARES)
• School of Social Work
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• University Counseling Center
• Community Social Work Clinic

Two research entities—the Center for Urban Health Equity and various research initiatives within the School of Community Health and Policy—support Morgan State’s efforts to achieve R1 Research status. Their interdisciplinary work focuses on reducing health disparities and improving wellness in urban communities.

A technology visualization lab serves as an interdisciplinary sandbox, allowing programs to explore innovation across disciplinary boundaries. Home Health and Pre-Physical Therapy programs share a floor to promote an interprofessional approach to health science education.

Clinical Spaces and Community Impact

Clinical spaces serve dual purposes, providing essential health services to local residents while offering students practical experience. The Social Work Clinic’s ground-floor location creates an intentionally community-facing space. The Counseling Center’s placement on the top floor provides students with private access and unobstructed views of the north park. Located along the Morgan Mile—a key corridor for the university’s community development initiatives in northeast Baltimore—the building strengthens Morgan State’s connection to its neighbors.

The innovative teaching environment mirrors real-world professional settings through specialized learning spaces. Social work students practice client interactions in observation rooms with one-way windows for faculty guidance. A comprehensive 6,000-sq.-ft. simulation suite and four modern skills assessment labs give nursing students hands-on experience in realistic healthcare scenarios.

Architectural and Design Strategies

As a campus gateway, the building’s architecture creates a compelling dialogue between traditional and contemporary elements. A climate-responsive facade combines glass fins and campus stone, while clerestory windows and a dramatic five-story glass wall flood the interior with natural light.

The atrium serves as the building’s heart, designed as a dramatic terminus to the adjacent campus park. The space intentionally blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor environments through its five-story glass wall, creating a unified experience. This connection is reinforced through carefully placed natural elements, including a bamboo stand visible from all public areas, reception desks crafted from local reclaimed wood and an organic wood bench. Nature-inspired patterns accent the flooring and walls. Academic spaces wrap the atrium, promoting interdisciplinary interaction while providing visual connections to nature.

The design removes physical barriers between departments, building a sense of shared purpose across disciplines. Offices and communal spaces are placed to encourage faculty, staff and students to meet naturally. Flexible classrooms equipped with advanced technology adapt to different teaching methods. Glass partitions and open circulation paths make the space easy to navigate. The acoustic design minimizes noise distractions.

Sustainability, Inclusion and Wellness

The sustainable design strategies position the building for LEED Gold certification. Energy-efficient systems, high-performance windows and responsibly sourced materials, along with enhanced indoor air quality and water-saving measures, support environmental goals and occupant well-being.

From initial stakeholder interviews through furniture and fabric selection, inclusive and equitable design principles guided the team’s design decisions. The building’s diverse spaces create welcoming, accessible environments for all.

A prominent staircase encourages physical activity between floors. The rooftop, which offers views of downtown, includes a terrace for wellness activities and a greenhouse where students conduct urban agriculture research and grow fresh produce for community programs. The building also provides wellness rooms, collaborative lounges and designated quiet spaces for focus or meditation.

Project Team

HOK provided architecture, interior design, health education planning, laboratory planning and sustainable design services. K. Dixon Architecture was responsible for interior architecture and furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), helping achieve significant minority business enterprise participation. Barton Malow served as the construction manager.