CPH Academic Building Overview
A Healthy Future for the UI College of Public Health
The College of Public Health Academic Building is a pioneering new building on the University of Iowa campus that will, for the first time, provide an academic home for the college, an environment for innovative teaching, research, and service in public health.
While the college has been in existence for more than ten years, its departments and programs are widely spread out across the UI campus; students are taught in nine buildings where the college borrows classroom space, and faculty are located in three different buildings on two campuses. Bringing faculty, students, and core administrative staff together into one dedicated building is critical to fulfilling the college's mission and sustaining the growth of the college.
Building Collaboration
This new facility will enable departments and programs to fully develop, foster the interdisciplinary exchange and collaborative spirit that is central to the work of public health, allow faculty and students to interact more meaningfully, and provide an identity for the college on the UI campus. Just as important, this facility will serve as a place where statewide and national public health organizations can gather to share research, knowledge, and best practices that will advance the field and benefit the health of the public.
Going Green
One of the most exciting aspects of the planned facility is its use of "green" building technology and reliance on sustainable design principles. The college's commitment to environmental sustainability is closely tied to the educational and service mission of the college, and reflects the proven connection between a healthy environment and sound public health.
The "green" design will utilize building materials and environmental systems to achieve Gold level certification within the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. The LEED system recognizes facilities for their sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design.
Not only will the building's sustainable design present educational opportunities and save long-term operating costs, the structure also will serve as a showcase for sustainability and raise environmental awareness within the University community. The building will stand as a powerful symbol of the college's overall mission-a place where those who are committed to every aspect of public health can work productively and synergistically toward improving public health on a local, national, and international level.