In the heart of the Bronx, where modern medicine meets the evolving demands of education, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has unveiled a cutting-edge addition to its campus infrastructure: the new Harry H. Gordon Anatomy Laboratory and Surgical Skills Learning Center, conceived and designed by JLGA. The 14,456 SF facility, located on the ground floor of the Van Etten Building, is a bold reimagining of medical instruction – blending architectural innovation with clinical precision.

This transformative project emerged from a broader master plan developed by JLGA to support Einstein’s mission of delivering world-class medical education to a diverse, dynamic student body. By consolidating previously scattered and outdated anatomy teaching facilities – some of which required cadaver transport through public corridors – the new center places learning, functionality, and dignity at the forefront of the educational experience.

The program includes a 50-seat divisible conference/classroom, anatomy lab, surgical skills lab, morgue and cadaver prep suite, along with a student lounge, changing and locker rooms, faculty offices, and an updated entrance. Integrated AV systems support remote instruction, real-time collaboration, and multi-modal learning – across both lectures and small-group dissections.

The architectural language is clean, clinical, and purposeful. JLGA employed high-performance materials, balancing hygienic needs with visual warmth. Color-coded zones help orient users, while low-e insulated windows bring daylight into spaces once sealed off. A standout feature is the use of overhead booms – each with lighting, monitors, and tablets – suspended above dissection tables, lending a sense of high-tech theater to the anatomy lab.

Mechanical systems were redesigned to meet strict performance standards. A custom air handling unit leverages existing chilled water and steam loops to deliver precise temperature and humidity control, supporting the required 10–12 air changes per hour. Emergency power backup ensures critical systems remain operational in any scenario.

The facility also benefits from its strategic location in the C-wing of the Van Etten Building, offering a dedicated loading dock for discreet cadaver intake and immediate access to prep areas. This relocation not only enhances function but also frees up valuable wet lab space in the nearby Forchheimer Building, making way for expanded biomedical research.

Developed through a rigorous planning process involving faculty task forces, benchmarking visits, and design charrettes, the Anatomy and Surgical Skills Center is both technically advanced and deeply human-centered. With this facility, Einstein reinforces its motto – “Science at the heart of medicine” – with architecture that supports learning, honors the human form, and looks toward the future.