MidAmerican Energy Company Training Center for Excellence

INVISION Architecture

Recognitions: AIA Iowa 2023 Design Awards

Project Description

A celebration of volume, structure, and display: a concept developed for a local utility company training facility. An observational “spine” serves as the principle organizational strategy for the 143,000 square foot facility. Raised above the adjacent rooflines, the spine is a visual beacon from the adjacent highway. Glazing on the spine includes a linear ceramic frit that lowers the interior mechanical load by 40% by reducing solar heat gain in the building. Internally the spine serves as a history and viewing gallery with red powder-coated steel framed portals looking into every lab and training area. These portals are strategically located along the spine to highlight different training components for potential apprentices. The programs within the building cover a range of electrical and gas training services and includes adaptable classrooms, collaboration spaces, and an open office area. The design encourages transparency and learning opportunities throughout, purposefully placing learning on display. Material choices in the apprentice spaces on the lower level were kept minimal to provide economy for the project and provide durable and easily cleaned finishes that reduce waste. Unique to the program is a 50-foot clear height volume in the Pole Training Arena for training on electrical poles and an Excavation Arena designed to provide training and continuing education for safely working with buried gas lines. The project makes an intentionally bold statement, primarily for the client as a unique training and recruiting facility, but also as an architectural expression that uses the building itself as an educational device.