Sharing Research in the HSRB

Rising above the tree line on Haygood Drive, the Health Sciences Research Building II (HSRB-II) is an eight story, 350,000 square feet marvel of biomedical technology that is poised to dramatically transform patient care. As the largest academic medical research facility in Georgia, the HSRB-II will elevate Emory’s research enterprise to the next level. 
 
One of the highlights of this new research facility includes sophisticated digital displays to allow faculty and research partners to build connections, share and learn novel research, and weigh in on bold questions. 

Digital placemaking uses interactive displays that bring research to life and create more interactive environments. The use of digital placemaking deepens building residents’ connection, creating an engaging atmosphere that removes boundaries and invites cross-disciplinary collaboration.  

The HSRB features several digital placemaking zones, including the Wonder Wall, Info Cores, The Spine, and The Nexus.  

Here’s how each zone of the HSRB creates a signature experience:  

The Wonder Wall greets guests as they enter HSRB-II from Haygood Drive. Flanked by a welcoming staircase, the 28-foot visual installation tells Emory stories. HSRB-I also has its own unique version of the Wonder Wall. 

Current Wonder Wall stories include highlights from Emory Medicine Magazine, the 2036: The Future Starts Here campaign, Your Fantastic Mind, and other stories that illuminate the life-changing research at Emory.  

The HSRB’s immersive experience reaches outside of laboratories and into everyday moments.

For example, Info Cores, located on every floor of HSRB-II—and select floors of HSRB-I—replaces traditional poster presentations with touch screens, mobile integration, and user-generated content. 

Elsewhere, The Spine engages researchers as they wait for the elevator. Electronic screens are located throughout HSRB I and II and display digitally manipulated scientific images.

Each floor of The Spine uses the same image with different visualizations to generate eye-catching images to inspire creativity and breaks researchers out of their normal thought patterns. 

The Nexus sits at the heart of HSRB-II's atrium. It is the largest digital experience zone and features curated content that posits burning scientific questions, celebrates scientific breakthroughs at Emory, and connects diverse scientific groups.  

As a main area in the building, The Nexus is the perfect place to get a sense of the important problems or burning questions that Emory researchers and partners are investigating. An identical Nexus is also located in HSRB-I.

The buildings’ digital experiences provide conversational portals and opportunities for viewers to engage using touch screens and QR codes.  

Learners, faculty, and staff love the digital experience zones, and many have stopped by to interact and share content. For example, Chemistry PhD graduates Aysha Rashid and Yuxin Duan, who celebrated with a photo in front of Wonder Wall in HSRB I.  

It’s no surprise that these screens are so popular. Stephens adds, “The dynamic experience of the HSRB-II will attract and retain exceptional talent—while more importantly stimulating research impact that reduces disease burden and allowing people to live their best lives.” 

Have an idea for a story, poster, scientific image, or burning question you’d like featured in the HSRB? Submit your idea here!