American School & University Announces 2024 Education Interiors Showcase and Architectural Portfolio Awards
RDG Planning & Design has been recognized with multiple awards for exemplary educational design.
American School & University recently announced its 2024 Education Interiors Showcase and Architectural Portfolio awards, annual programs that honor outstanding design in educational environments. RDG received three awards in the 2024 Education Interiors Showcase, including AS&U's Grand Prize Collegiate Award for the firm's work on the Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, and awards for the CL and Rachel Werner Center for Health Sciences Education in Omaha, Nebraska (Outstanding Design: Health Care Facilities/Teaching Hospitals) and the Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center in Kearney, Nebraska (Outstanding Design: Pre-K/Early Childhood Education). Three RDG projects were recognized with 2024 Architectural Portfolio Awards: DMU’s Medical & Health Sciences Campus (Outstanding Design: Postsecondary School), the CL & Rachel Werner Center for Health Sciences Education Building (Outstanding Design: Postsecondary School) and the Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center (Pre-K/Early Childhood Facilities Citation).
"These awards reflect our dedication to working with clients to create spaces that foster learning and growth," said RDG Architect and Senior Partner Benjamin Kroll, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB. "Each project is designed with the unique needs of its users in mind to create spaces that are functional and conducive to learning and reflect deep connections with the local community. We are proud to share these awards with our clients and partners."
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.
The CL and Rachel Werner Center for Health Sciences Education serves as the new front door to Creighton University's Omaha campus and home of the School of Medicine and a health sciences hub, with shared spaces for each of the university's health sciences schools and colleges. The center has advanced learning environments, such as a simulation center, research labs and cooperative classrooms. RDG’s design for the center supports interprofessional education by creating daylit linked spaces and diverse collaboration technology and using transparent exterior design to showcase the center’s program to passersby. Sustainability is a priority, with energy-efficient MEP systems and rooftop solar panels to supply power for all building lighting. Wellness attributes of the design include access to daylight for all users, outdoor amenities, diverse collaboration environments and strategic open stairs to encourage physical movement. Various open and private areas use flexible furniture to allow for teamwork and individual work, while a unique forum space fosters interprofessional collaboration among all disciplines.
The University of Nebraska collaborated with RDG to develop a new early education center on its Kearney campus. This center is a key component of the College of Education's early childhood education program, providing hands-on learning opportunities for UNK's students. With 11 high-quality classrooms accommodating up to 176 children, students can gain practical experience under the guidance of experienced educators. The interior design provides flexible spaces and continual supervision, with ample daylight and direct access to thoughtfully designed, age-appropriate playgrounds. The center features generous corridors and activity spaces that promote exploratory learning beyond the classrooms. RDG's design reflects UNK's connection with the regional agricultural community, integrating color, texture and patterns. Aligned with the University Village master plan, it enhances the streetscape, encouraging community involvement. Balancing aesthetics and functionality, the center inspires curiosity and joy in children and adults and provides a foundation for life-long learning.
The annual AS&U Education Interiors Showcase honors outstanding educational interior environments. An independent jury comprising school administrators and AIA-member architects evaluates submissions based on problem statements, technical specifications, design responses, aesthetic qualities and presentation materials. Projects selected for awards are featured in AS&U's August 2024 Educational Interiors Showcase issue. AS&U’s Architectural Portfolio is published annually in cooperation with the American Institute of Architects and celebrates architects and educational institutions for their achievements in outstanding school and university design. A jury of architects and education administrators award Citations and other Outstanding Designs to be published in the fall 2024 Architectural Portfolio issue of American School & University.