ENR Midwest Announces Best Projects for 2024
RDG’s design for the Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Campus has been honored with an Award of Merit for Higher Education/Research.
Engineering News-Record (ENR) Midwest recently announced its 2024 Best Project award winners. The RDG-designed Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in West Des Moines, Iowa, received the Award of Merit, Higher Education/Research. ENR Midwest judges a carefully curated list of high-quality entries, culling that list down to a select few winning entries for each year's ENR Midwest Best Projects competition.
"We are honored to receive this recognition from ENR Midwest, which highlights our commitment to creating environments that foster collaboration and promote sustainability," said RDG Architect and Senior Partner Benjamin Kroll, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB. "Des Moines University's new campus is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in shaping spaces that inspire and support the people who use them every day."
Des Moines University's new 88-acre Medicine and Health Sciences campus opened in 2023, coinciding with the institution’s 125th anniversary. The campus features four interconnected buildings surrounding an elevated quad that integrates social and academic programs, redefining the traditional campus model to foster collaboration among all users. The buildings’ massings are intentionally positioned to enhance the performance of the buildings as well as each user's kinesthetic awareness on campus. Located at a historical glacial lobe, RDG’s design integrates native plant conservation and sustainable practices, reducing annual water runoff by 8 million gallons and minimizing erosion. A reflection of DMU's commitment to environmental responsibility, the new campus achieved LEED Silver certification and incorporates 700 geothermal wells that provide energy-efficient systems to the current and future campus.
The campus's Edge of Advancement building includes administration, a technology-rich event and learning commons, an alum hall and student support spaces; the Innovation building includes academic, simulation and dining programs; and the Health and Wellbeing building realizes holistic health with its recreation facilities, clinic and counseling suites. The campus also connects with local trails and features a new pond, enriching both the academic community and the surrounding residents. RDG's design reflects DMU's history while embracing the future, creating a vibrant and connected learning environment and offering a transformative opportunity to establish a new legacy for DMU and healthcare education.
Each year, ENR Midwest utilizes independent judges to determine its award winners. In 2024, four panels of judges selected 33 projects spanning 16 different categories, that represent outstanding quality of work and spur innovative ideas. Winners will be celebrated at the ENR Midwest Regional Best Projects Awards ceremony in Chicago on November 15, 2024.