Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has opened a new campus spanning 88 acres, over three times larger than its previous location.
Designed by RDG Planning & Design and built by Turner Construction, the $260 million campus features technology-rich, flexible educational spaces that promote innovative teaching methods, expand research activity, and enhance clinical services. The campus includes four buildings connected with elevated pathways and totaling 382,000 sf.
The five-floor Edge of Advancement building serves as the front door to the campus and includes administration, event and learning commons, alum hall, and student support spaces. The Innovation building includes academic and dining programs, as well as a simulation center where students can practice providing care and performing surgery. And the Health and Wellbeing building offers recreation facilities, clinic, and counseling suites. The project also includes a campus support building with parking.
The new campus, which has achieved LEED Silver certification, has 700 geothermal wells for energy-efficient systems. With significantly reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions, the project achieves a 56% reduction in electric use and 65% reduction in embodied carbon.
To promote mental health and wellbeing, the campus integrates multiple green and gathering spaces. The site features a new pond and connects with local trails.
“With its 125-year legacy of excellence in medical and health science education, DMU has long been leading the way in holistic healthcare education,” Mike Houston, RDG planner and senior partner, said in a statement. “Collaborating with the university on this project allowed us to push the boundaries of what a health sciences campus can achieve.”
Founded in 1898, DMU comprises three colleges offering 10 graduate degrees in medical and health sciences.
On the building team:
Design architect and architect of record: RDG Planning & Design
MEP engineer: IMEG
Structural engineer: KPFF
Construction manager: Turner Construction
Related Stories
| Mar 12, 2014
14 new ideas for doors and door hardware
From a high-tech classroom lockdown system to an impact-resistant wide-stile door line, BD+C editors present a collection of door and door hardware innovations.
| Feb 25, 2014
Are these really the 'world's most spectacular university buildings'? [slideshow]
Emporis lists its top 13 higher education buildings from around the world. Do you agree with the rankings?
| Feb 24, 2014
First look: UC San Diego opens net-zero biological research lab
The facility is intended to be "the most sustainable laboratory in the world," and incorporates natural ventilation, passive cooling, high-efficiency plumbing, and sustainably harvested wood.
| Feb 14, 2014
Crowdsourced Placemaking: How people will help shape architecture
The rise of mobile devices and social media, coupled with the use of advanced survey tools and interactive mapping apps, has created a powerful conduit through which Building Teams can capture real-time data on the public. For the first time, the masses can have a real say in how the built environment around them is formed—that is, if Building Teams are willing to listen.
| Feb 13, 2014
University officials sound off on net zero energy buildings
As part of its ongoing ZNE buildings research project, Sasaki Associates, in collaboration with Buro Happold, surveyed some 500 campus designers and representatives on the top challenges and opportunities for achieving net-zero energy performance on university and college campuses.
| Feb 4, 2014
World's fifth 'living building' certified at Smith College [slideshow]
The Bechtel Environmental Classroom utilizes solar power, composting toilets, and an energy recovery system, among other sustainable strategies, to meet the rigorous performance requirements of the Living Building Challenge.
| Feb 4, 2014
Must see: Student housing complex made with recycled shipping containers
Architect Christian Salvati's new structure is just the first step in bringing shipping container construction to New Haven, Conn.
| Jan 31, 2014
6 considerations for rehabbing student union buildings
Most colleges and universities feel pressure to offer the latest amenities in order to attract and retain the best and brightest students. While hauling in the bulldozer to create modern facilities is attractive in some regards, deciding to renovate can be just as effective and, in some cases, even preferable to new construction.
| Jan 29, 2014
Notre Dame to expand football stadium in largest project in school history
The $400 million Campus Crossroads Project will add more than 750,000 sf of academic, student life, and athletic space in three new buildings attached to the school's iconic football stadium.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
