The Ankeny Community School District collaborated with the design team from the outset, envisioning the educational programming and the physical design of their new space in tandem. Planned as part of the district’s November 2025 bond referendum for approval, the Ankeny Innovative Hub signifies a bold new direction for the district, providing students with an engaging and dynamic learning environment. This facility encompasses a variety of specialized labs, including agricultural and research labs, culinary areas, a working restaurant, high-bay trades labs, and experimental labs, all designed to foster hands-on learning and real-world applications. To ensure the design met the district’s vision, the owner and design team conducted extensive research, visiting innovative educational facilities across the country to gather insights and best practices. Locally, focus groups and design workshops with students, parents, teachers, and business stakeholders helped refine the program to align with the community’s aspirations and expectations.
The Innovative Hub is intentionally distinct, signaling that this program is unique and engaging, not just another typical school. The design emphasizes spatial discovery and adaptability, seamlessly integrating exploration classrooms with robust career labs. This approach exposes students to multiple passions and, in a student’s own words, allows them to “discover their genius.” The facility’s distinct design elements create varied and dynamic spaces, enabling students to gravitate toward environments that fit their learning styles and needs each day. By working closely with the district and various stakeholders, the design team developed a forward-thinking solution that is both innovative and deeply connected to the values of the broader community.
