The Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa sought to transform its historically significant but aging Bowen Science Building into a modern research environment that fosters collaboration and interdisciplinary medical discovery. Our design reimagines the 1970s-era facility with contemporary laboratory environments that accommodate the dynamic needs of today’s medical researchers.
The renovated spaces optimize workflow through strategic placement of lab modules and support spaces, creating visual connectivity that strengthens interaction between investigators while maintaining necessary safety protocols. Strategically placed exterior windows flood the space with natural light, creating visual connections to the surrounding campus while defining distinct research zones. The modular laboratory layout provides flexibility for evolving research needs, with dedicated tissue culture rooms, chemical fume hood alcoves, and specialized equipment areas tailored to each investigator’s work. This thoughtful arrangement of space removes traditional barriers to collaboration, enabling researchers to easily share ideas and resources across disciplines in pursuit of innovative medical advances.
The renovation encompassed 42,045 SF of the building’s third floor, with approximately 31,000 SF dedicated to research laboratories and support spaces for bacteriology, immunology, and virology researchers. The project created five distinct building cores, each supporting four principal investigators with adaptable open wet labs, tissue culture rooms, fume hood alcoves, autoclaves, microscopy rooms, Ultra-Low Temperature freezer storage, and specialized equipment areas. The design team centralized major building services and HVAC systems around existing vertical infrastructure shafts, minimizing costs while maximizing usable laboratory space. The renovation included comprehensive upgrades to meet current ADA requirements and building codes, with the addition of a fire sprinkler system enabling corridor windows and expanded chemical storage capacities. New exterior windows were installed to bring more natural light into the space and provide views of the campus landscape.
