Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Campus
RDG Planning & Design
Recognitions:
AIA Iowa 2024 Design Awards
Project Description
Inspired by the site’s natural beauty and diverse physical characteristics, the design of Des Moines University’s new campus embraces the concept of “the edge of advancement” to establish an innovative typology for medical education. The campus reflects DMU’s values—honoring the land, fostering community connection, and promoting inclusivity through an intuitive and accessible environment. Anchored by academic functions, the design features technology-rich, flexible learning spaces that support evolving teaching methods, cutting-edge research, and high-fidelity simulation and clinical training.
The Medical and Health Sciences Campus serves as a dynamic hub for healthcare innovation and sustainability. Advanced facilities enable the development of new academic programs and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that students achieve mastery in both practice and leadership. Four interconnected buildings surround an elevated central quad and are linked by thoughtfully designed pathways, blending academic and social spaces to enhance interaction, discovery, and well-being.
Sustainability is a core principle of the campus, which has earned the project LEED Silver Certification and is on track to become the first campus to combine with a WELL Gold Campus Certification. The integration of geo-exchange heating and cooling, locally sourced masonry, and native landscaping minimizes environmental impact while supporting long-term performance and resilience achieving 56% energy cost reduction and 67% operational carbon reduction.
This project does more than provide state-of-the-art facilities, it establishes a forward-thinking model for healthcare education. By seamlessly integrating environmental stewardship, wellness, and academic excellence, the campus redefines how learning environments can serve both their users and the planet. The new campus not only reflects the university’s legacy but also sets the foundation for a bold and sustainable future in health sciences education.