Howe Hall Engineering Teaching and Research Complex,
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
Brooks Borg Skiles / Ellerbe Becket

A transparent modern research complex is designed for adaptability

© Brian Droege

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This new 169,000 square foot complex was specifically designed to tie together the College of Engineering with the Institute for Physical Research Technology, and consists of two three-story buildings connected by a skyway and a tunnel. The research complex houses offices, laboratories, and specialized spaces for aerospace engineering, engineering mechanics, and the Iowa Center for Emerging Technologies. It also provides offices and high-technology instructional spaces, including distance learning facilities.

The facility has flexible planning modules designed for reconfiguration to suit the needs of different departments and space utilization requirements. The walls are non–load bearing with mechanical and utility shafts bundled and spaced to create an open-floor plate, allowing freedom to easily transform small offices into large laboratories with convenient access to utilities. The building is designed to expand horizontally, allowing increased capacity to accommodate future growth without having to renovate the existing structure.

The building plan consists of two linear functional blocks flanking the transparent public spaces. A back-to-back lab configuration best suits the majority of the program space. Extensive exposure to daylight for perimeter offices filters in through the high-bay training floor, used as a light well.

Specialty labs include the high-bay training floor, capable of housing large-scale aircraft components and mock-ups, low-speed aerodynamic labs, vibration labs, acoustic labs, haptic labs, interdisciplinary design labs, a subsonic research tunnel, and virtual reality cave. Truck access and overhead crane service is provided, as well as laboratory utilities with demountable islands on each floor.

The exterior material of the buildings echoes the masonry familiar on adjacent engineering buildings. Curtainwall systems containing both glazed and metal panels accent key program spaces. The primary structural system is a reinforced concrete frame with a wide module pan and joist floor system, supported on spread footings. The main roof area is framed with structural steel shapes and trusses.

Formal name of Project:
Howe Hall Engineering Teaching and Research Complex, Iowa State University

Location:
Ames, Iowa

Gross square footage:
169,000 sq. ft.

Total construction cost:
$25.2 million

Owner:
Iowa State University