Neumann Monson Architects

Des Moines Municipal Services Center

Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio

DES MOINES MUNICIPAL SERVICES CENTER

Neumann Monson Architects

SECONDARY FIRM
Kueny Architects LLC

MANUFACTURERS
Acgi, Oldcastle Buildingenvelope, Wausau Window And Wall Systems, Ductsox Corporation, Hunter Douglas, Pdm Precast

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Genus Landscape Architects

CIVIL ENGINEER
Snyder & Associates

AREA
105000 ft²

MEP ENGINEER
Modus

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Kueny Architects LLC

CONTRACTOR
Neumann Brothers

LOCATION
United States

CATEGORY
Municipal Building

YEAR
2014

Text description provided by the architects.

Previously, this Midwest city operated field services from scattered old and outdated facilities. Departments included Public Works; Parks and Recreation; Engineering, Fleet, Traffic and Transportation, Housing, Maintenance; and Satellite Maintenance.

Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio

This project consolidates and centrally locates these services to develop interdepartmental cooperation and capitalize on organizational efficiencies.

This Phase 1 project accommodates 113,000-sqf of an eventual 397,000-sqf comprehensive consolidation. The City selected an underutilized site with an eye to its central location, connection to transportation arteries, and potential for community.

Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio

The project capitalizes on its connection to the regional bike trail system by providing bike racks, showers, and changing rooms. The Services Center, a significant public investment, has spurred local private economic investment, increasing land value and population density.

The building’s layout represents an evolution of the typical municipal facility. The building houses two primary components: Administration and Operations. Administration, separated from Operations, connects back to it via bridges. Their interstice allows light to penetrate the facility’s center, creating a glass-enclosed courtyard.

Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio

In Operations, lab and storage spaces flank the central vehicle storage bay. The facility’s exterior comprises continuously insulated precast concrete panels interspersed with triple-glazed curtainwall infill. The panels’ spacing on the southern elevation brings measure and rhythm to the long facade.

A continuous metal fin at the ‘slot’ windows between precast panels minimizes glare and direct exposure.

Horizontal aluminum tubes and vertical fabric fins similarly mitigate glare and solar gain for the fully glazed northwest offices.

Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio

95% of spaces have access to operable windows on an exterior wall.


Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio


Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
© Integrated Studio


Des Moines Municipal Services Center
Floor Plans
Des Moines Municipal Services Center
Site Plan


Des Moines Municipal Services Center
Site Diagram

Neumann Monson Architects
T +1 319 3387878
Neumann Monson Architects
221 E College St # 303, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States