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Des Moines University

Medical and
Health Science
Campus

Client
Des Moines University
Location
West Des Moines, IA
Size
88 acres

Set across 88-acres of the West Des Moines Innovation Corridor, Des Moines University's new, ground-up campus establishes a premier destination for students, faculty, staff and friends of the university. 

Landscape Architecture Interior Design Architecture Civil Engineering & Water Resources Health Science Education College & University

RDG's design for the campus takes direction from the site's natural beauty and diverse physical characteristics, building on the concept, "the edge of advancement," to imagine an innovative, iconic campus that reflects DMU's values, respects the land, connects to the community and offers an inclusive, intuitive environment. 

With academic functions at its core, RDG's design creates technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and expand research activity and clinical services. Clear wayfinding reinforces equitable design and provides convenient connections to wellness, campus support and parking. Landscape design transforms the surrounding site into a restorative panorama of naturalized areas, innovative rainwater solutions, trails and outdoor gathering spaces. The new campus opened in 2023, the year that also marked DMU's 125th anniversary. 

Des Moines Medical and Health Sciences Campus
The Des Moines University project is unique because very rarely does an established university pick up and move to a brand-new campus. One of the ways the University is capitalizing on that is with goals for sustainability will make it one of the largest projects in the U.S. to receive LEED Gold and WELL Building Silver status.
Des Moines Medical and Health Sciences Campus
Des Moines University West Des Moines Campus in Des Moines, Iowa. Rendering by RDG.
Over 60% of the site is being held for open space and includes stormwater management retention ponds, a restored stream, bioswales, and approximately 50 acres of restored or recreated native landscape.
Simulation suites replicate real hospital settings where students gain interdisciplinary training that is critical to clinical program curricula and the competencies of future healthcare providers. Human-like medical mannequins mimic medical conditions under the operation of staff in adjacent control rooms. Observation windows allow staff to view and control scenarios as they unfold.
Open flexible research spaces feature contemporary multi-functional research modules to fuel research efforts and to bring organization and consistency to the research enterprise. Bridging the corridor and wet lab spaces is a service bar with accessible shared equipment, specialty labs, storage and support spaces.
Des Moines Medical and Health Sciences Campus
Des Moines University new Medical and Health Sciences Campus.
Awards
Merit Award — Design (Unbuilt)
ASLA Central States
2022
Latest News
Events
RDG Out & About: Iowa Energy Summit
Media & Press
ASLA Central States Chapter Recognizes Excellence in Design