California Health Sciences University
Tangram Partners with Dekker/Perich/Sabatini & Darden Architects to Create an Inviting and Collaborative Environment at California Health Science University's New College of Osteopathic Medicine
Understanding what drives the need for change
When California Health Sciences University prepared to open the Central Valley's first osteopathic medical school, they faced a unique opportunity to shape the future of medical education in their region. As only the third osteopathic medicine program in California, CHSU needed to create an environment that would support their hands-on, patient-centered approach to medical training while also accommodating their Doctor of Pharmacy Program.
The 90,000 square foot facility represented years of planning and a two-year construction timeline that began in 2018. Beyond simply furnishing classrooms, CHSU needed spaces that would foster the collaborative spirit essential to osteopathic medicine, where students learn to treat patients holistically. The challenge was creating an environment that felt both professional and welcoming, supporting rigorous academic work while encouraging the kind of peer interaction and faculty mentorship that builds strong medical professionals.
How we brought the vision to life
Tangram Interiors joined forces with Dekker/Perich/Sabatini & Darden Architects to create a furniture strategy that would bring CHSU's educational vision to life. Understanding that medical students spend long hours in study and collaboration, our team focused on creating zones that could seamlessly transition between focused learning, group work, and social interaction.
We carefully curated furniture solutions from trusted manufacturers including Steelcase, Coalesse, National, and Global, selecting pieces that would support active learning methodologies while maintaining the warm, community-focused atmosphere CHSU desired. Each area was designed with flexibility in mind, allowing spaces to adapt throughout the day as students moved between lectures, study sessions, and collaborative projects. The result was a cohesive environment that feels more like a modern learning community than a traditional academic institution.
2 solutions
Cobi
There’s no such thing as a quick meeting. We spend more time collaborating today than ever before. Squirming, fatigue, and loss of focus are unavoidable. Let’s face it. Working with others requires a completely different set of postures, and thus, a completely different kind of chair. One that helps keep you comfortable and focused in collaborative settings like conference and training rooms.
Player
The simple and durable Player chair is a convenient, comfortable, stackable chair for a multitude of uses. It’s the perfect solution for high traffic areas like waiting rooms, classrooms, cafes or multi-purpose spaces. A true “team player,” its slim, quiet aesthetic fits in just about anywhere.
3 professionals brought this vision to life
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