ICYMI: Radford University’s Artis Center Unites Health Sciences and the Arts in a Flexible, Student-Centered Hub

In this episode, you'd hear how Radford University’s Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity consolidates arts, health sciences, learning, and research into a shared, future-ready destination
Feb. 23, 2026

In this ICYMI article-read episode of I Hear Design, we explore Radford University’s Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity, an interdisciplinary, student-centered hub that brings the health sciences and the arts under one roof based on a recent article published by interiors+sources. Designed by Hord Coplan Macht in collaboration with William Rawn Associates, the 178,000-square-foot facility replaces siloed departmental space with shared, multipurpose environments—from studios and maker spaces to tech-enabled collaboration zones—helping reduce redundancies and deliver a more efficient footprint.

You’ll also hear how the building’s campus-connector strategy turns the facility into both a destination and a thoroughfare, while universal design solutions address a challenging 60-foot grade change to support barrier-free access, belonging, and wellbeing.

About the Author

Robert Nieminen

Market Content Director

Market Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources

Robert Nieminen is the Market Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.

He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.

Known for his sharp editorial vision and data-informed strategies, Robert focuses on audience growth, engagement, and content monetization, leveraging AI tools and SEO-driven insights to future-proof B2B publishing.

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