Iowa Laboratories Facility
- Type of Construction: New Construction
- Size: 175,000 SF (16,258 m2)
- Professional Services: Architecture, Engineering and Design, Interior Design, Master Planning, Security Consulting, Structural Engineering
- Project Components: BSL 3 Biocontainment, Conference Room, Coroner, Forensic Biology Lab, Forensic Laboratory, Morgue, Office Space
- Project Type: Forensics
- Related Projects: Architecture, Forensics, Justice
A collaborative effort between four State of Iowa agencies culminated in the opening of a high-tech, cutting-edge state laboratory facility for which HDR was the lead A/E firm of a joint venture team. Located on the Des Moines Area Community College campus, the facility includes laboratories, autopsy suites and office space for the following departments: Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation Forensics Lab; Department of Public Health, Medical Examiner; Department of Agriculture; and University of Iowa Hygienics Laboratory. Common spaces, such as loading docks, are designed to be retrofitted for biosafety concerns, and one is designed to accommodate Biosafety Level 3. Priorities for security measures included efficiency, effectiveness and safety for the chain of evidence process.