Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Campus

RDG Planning & Design

Recognitions: AIA Iowa 2024 Design Awards

Project Description

Des Moines University's new Medical and Health Science Campus is a hub for innovation and sustainability in healthcare education. The state-of-the-art campus serves as the foundation for powerful, evolutionary trends in education and health care delivery. With cutting-edge facilities and technology, the campus supports new programs, research, simulation and clinical services that are developed with the highest fidelity possible to ensure mastery of skills and learning. To meet the needs of expanding enrollment and the evolving technologies associated with experiential learning, DMU envisioned a plan for a new campus that would successfully increase enrollment while occupying a smaller footprint with higher performing facilities. Beginning in 2019, RDG engaged DMU faculty and staff in the creative and strategic planning process to design a campus that fosters an exciting university environment and supports advanced medicine and health sciences education and research, as well as clinical services for residents of the region. Design for the new campus takes direction from the site’s natural beauty and diverse physical characteristics. Building on the concept, "the edge of advancement," the design team envisioned an innovative, iconic campus that reflects DMU's values, respects the land, connects to the community and offers an inclusive, intuitive environment. This project is a transformative opportunity to establish a new legacy for DMU and healthcare education. The new campus, completed and ready for classes in June 2023, is interconnected with pathways that are programmed to include social and academic features to add value and comfort to users between classes. The campus demonstrates sustainability and stewardship by achieving LEED Silver Certification and anticipates receipt of the WELL Building Standard Gold Certification. The design reflects DMU's history while embracing the future, creating a vibrant and connected learning environment.