Higher Education

University of Iowa Dental Science Building

Iowa City, IA

This multi-phase project at the University of Iowa’s Dental Science Building transformed it into a cutting-edge facility for dental education. INVISION worked to find solutions that adapted and expanded the existing facility to meet the changing needs of today’s learning and technology. Throughout the seven-year addition and renovation process, the team minimized disruption to ongoing classes and clinics. 

Work included over 300 new dental chair operatories, as well as renovated laboratories, classrooms, faculty offices, and clinic support spaces. The design of overlapping functions and shared interior spaces provided a more efficient and collaborative environment, while new program areas were successfully added into an existing building footprint without compromising function. Additionally, design efforts centered on obtaining LEED Silver certification.

Finish upgrades throughout the building took the space from a sterile, white environment to an elegant and sophisticated education center. The design team worked to integrate many needs into one patient-centered solution that encourages collaboration and accommodates opportunities for present and future modernization.

Brett Van Zee
Managing Architect

Our experience in convening diverse groups of stakeholders, both in healthcare and higher education, worked well in uncovering the various needs of the users of the building. Through it all, we managed the process to minimize disruption while the building remained in use for classes and clinics throughout the lengthy renovations.

Other Team Members