RDG in the Media: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Campus Featured in BD+C
Building Design+Construction Magazine highlights RDG's design for Des Moines University's new 88-acre campus, which celebrated its grand opening in the fall of 2024.
RDG Planning & Design’s work on the Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences campus has been featured in Building Design + Construction (BD+C) magazine. The article highlights the innovative and sustainable design approach that went into creating the state-of-the-art educational and healthcare facility.
The new 88-acre campus reflects the firm’s focus on creating meaningful, sustainable environments. RDG’s design integrates advanced technology and emphases on wellness and sustainability to serve both the present and future needs of students, faculty and the greater West Des Moines, Iowa community. DMU broke ground on the campus in the fall of 2020 and celebrated its official grand opening in September 2024.
RDG's design reflects DMU's history while embracing the future, creating a vibrant and connected learning environment and is a transformative opportunity to establish a new legacy for DMU and healthcare education. Totalling 382,000 SF, the campus is comprised of four buildings connected with elevated pathways. These buildings include spaces for administration, events, student support spaces, academic spaces, simulation centers and more. To promote mental health and well-being, the campus integrates multiple green and gathering spaces, recreation facilities and clinic and counseling suites. In addition, the campus has achieved LEED Silver certification, incorporating 700 geothermal wells for energy-efficient systems. These measures have significantly reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions, achieving a 41 Energy Use Intensity compared to the 90 EUI baseline, a 56% reduction in electric usage and a 65% reduction in embodied carbon.