Located on an existing Columbia University property, the new 100,000 square foot Medical and Graduated Education Building will be used by students from all four CUMC schools. The “study cascade” is the principle design strategy of the building - a network of social and study spaces distributed across oversized landings along an intricate 14 story stair. This cascade creates a single interconnected space the height of the building, stretching form the ground floor lobby to the top, conducive to collaborative, team-based learning and teaching. The study cascade interiors are complemented by a distributed network of south-facing outdoor rooms and terraces that are clad in wood. It is also an urban gesture that, with its transparent facade, aims to become a visual landmark at the northern limit of Columbia University’s medical campus.