The Phillips Wangensteen Building, located on the University of Minnesota campus, is a significant structure that houses the University's medical and health sciences programs. The building is named after two prominent figures in the University's history: Wendell Phillips, a former University of Minnesota Regent, and Owen Wangensteen, a renowned surgeon and former chair of the Department of Surgery. Completed in 1973, the Phillips Wangensteen Building serves as a hub for medical education, research, and clinical care, providing students, faculty, and staff with state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
History and Architecture
The Phillips Wangensteen Building was designed by the architectural firm of Setter, Leach, and Lindstrom, in collaboration with the University’s facilities management team. The building’s design reflects the brutalist architectural style, characterized by its use of raw concrete, exposed ductwork, and minimal ornamentation. The structure’s façade features a distinctive pattern of interlocking concrete blocks, which provides a unique aesthetic and helps to reduce maintenance costs. With over 440,000 square feet of floor space, the building is one of the largest on the University of Minnesota campus, providing ample room for classrooms, laboratories, offices, and clinical facilities.
Medical Education and Research
The Phillips Wangensteen Building is home to several departments and programs within the University’s Medical School, including the Departments of Surgery, Medicine, and Pediatrics. The building features a range of educational facilities, including lecture halls, seminar rooms, and simulation laboratories, which provide students with hands-on training and experiential learning opportunities. The building is also equipped with advanced research facilities, including laboratories, core facilities, and support services, which enable faculty and students to conduct cutting-edge research in a variety of medical disciplines.
| Department | Research Focus |
|---|---|
| Department of Surgery | Minimally invasive surgery, surgical oncology, and transplantation |
| Department of Medicine | Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and infectious diseases |
| Department of Pediatrics | Childhood cancer, developmental disorders, and pediatric infectious diseases |
Clinical Care and Services
The Phillips Wangensteen Building is also home to several clinical services and programs, including the University of Minnesota Medical Center’s outpatient clinics, the Masonic Cancer Center, and the University’s Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. These clinics and centers provide patients with access to specialized medical care and treatment, as well as opportunities to participate in clinical trials and research studies. The building’s clinical facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced imaging and diagnostic equipment, which enables healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
In recent years, the University of Minnesota has made significant efforts to reduce the Phillips Wangensteen Building’s environmental impact and improve its energy efficiency. The building has undergone several renovations and upgrades, including the installation of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, and the implementation of a building management system to optimize energy use. Additionally, the University has implemented a range of sustainability initiatives, including recycling programs, energy-efficient appliances, and green roofs, which have helped to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and minimize its environmental impact.
- Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems
- Building management system to optimize energy use
- Recycling programs and energy-efficient appliances
- Green roofs and sustainable landscaping
What is the Phillips Wangensteen Building used for?
+The Phillips Wangensteen Building is used for medical education, research, and clinical care, providing students, faculty, and staff with state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
Who are the namesakes of the Phillips Wangensteen Building?
+The building is named after Wendell Phillips, a former University of Minnesota Regent, and Owen Wangensteen, a renowned surgeon and former chair of the Department of Surgery.
What sustainability initiatives have been implemented in the Phillips Wangensteen Building?
+The University has implemented a range of sustainability initiatives, including energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, recycling programs, and green roofs, which have helped to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and minimize its environmental impact.
