MUSC – New College of Pharmacy & Basic Science Building Classroom and Auditorium

Redefining the Academic Heart of MUSC

Designed in tandem with the Colbert Education Center & Library, the new College of Pharmacy addition and Basic Science Building classroom and auditorium renovation reimagines the academic heart of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Located along the historic Horseshoe in downtown Charleston, the project establishes a bold new identity for the College of Pharmacy while revitalizing one of the campus’s most iconic academic buildings.

LaBella partnered with MUSC to bring this vision to life, beginning with a comprehensive feasibility study and strategic programming process. The team provided full architectural and interior design services, construction documents, and construction administration—ensuring continuity from concept through completion. Integrated AV/IT consultation and design further equipped the instructional spaces to meet the evolving demands of modern medical education.

As South Carolina’s flagship medical school, MUSC plays a critical role in advancing healthcare education, research, and clinical excellence. This investment strengthens that mission by modernizing instructional environments, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and reinforcing the University’s presence within Charleston’s historic urban fabric.

Elevating the Standard for Medical Education Spaces

The new College of Pharmacy addition introduces modern faculty and administrative offices, research laboratories, meeting spaces, and study and training labs—all unified by a welcoming lobby that connects to the expansive Basic Science Building.

Within the Basic Science Building, the University’s primary teaching classrooms, auditorium, and restrooms were transformed through complex structural modifications that established a new architectural standard for MUSC’s academic spaces.

The renovated auditorium and collaborative classrooms incorporate flexible layouts, thoughtfully specified furnishings, modernized finishes, and advanced AV/IT systems, including medical simulation technologies, that Support evolving pedagogy.

Together, these upgrades create cohesive, high-performing academic environments that reflect the forward-thinking nature of medical education today.

A photograph of a large classroom setting with multiple rows of desks and chairs. Multiple projector screens and television displays line two of the walls.
A photograph of an office. A person is standing at a desk on their computer. A table, chairs, and television are also visible.
A photograph of a large conference room with table and chairs. Ample greenery is noticeable through multiple windows.
A photograph of an empty office. A table with two chairs, a television, and an empty cabinet are visible.
A photograph of the exterior of a modern building with brick pathways and landscaping leading to the entry. Signage says,
A photograph of the courtyard of the MUSC College of Pharmacy. Multiple railings line various pedestrian paths and staircases.
A photograph of a hospital lobby with open space and multiple seating clusters. A large blue sign above a hallway says,
A photograph of a long hallway with multiple doors. The image looks partially into a meeting room with a table and chairs. Windows look into the hallway, but the top halves are lightly screened by an image of a tree.
A photograph of a large space that might be used as a conference room or classroom. Multiple projectors and televisions line the walls. Clusters of tables/desks and chairs are situated throughout the room.
A photograph of a large lecture hall. There are many long rows of desks with chairs. Multiple projectors and televisions hang from the ceiling.
A photograph of a recently renovated restroom with all white materials