At a Glance
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177K
Square Feet
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74%
Energy Reduction
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12
Awards
- Location
- Grinnell, Iowa
- Offices
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-
Client
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Grinnell College
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Awards
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American Institute of Architects (AIA) Iowa Excellence in Energy Efficient Design Award, 2025
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Architecture Award, Copper Development Association (CDA), 2023
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Excellence in Architecture for Building Additions, Renovation, or Adaptive—Honorable Mention, 2023
- Location
- Grinnell, Iowa
- Offices
- Client
-
- Grinnell College
- Awards
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) Iowa Excellence in Energy Efficient Design Award, 2025
- Architecture Award, Copper Development Association (CDA), 2023
- Excellence in Architecture for Building Additions, Renovation, or Adaptive—Honorable Mention, 2023
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Grinnell College Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC) is where history meets economics, literature intersects with political science, and sociology thrives alongside philosophy. The College wanted to combine 15 humanities departments under one roof. They engaged us to help realize their vision for a collaborative, dynamic student learning experience.
To modernize and preserve the existing building, our services included architecture, academic planning, programming, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering. Blending new construction with renovated spaces, our design links new and historic spaces through a central, multi-level atrium infused with natural light. Overhead bridges link 40 reconfigurable classrooms, scalable audiovisual technology, and inquiry labs with multiple disciplines with the broader Grinnell community. Shared research spaces, interdisciplinary classrooms, and flexible work areas foster collaboration beyond traditional academic boundaries.
In addition to spatial organization, our design embraces universal accessibility and goes beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. Expansive pathways, intuitive wayfinding, and strategically placed elevators provide seamless mobility. Thoughtful lighting strategies reduce glare and provide adaptable illumination, enhancing comfort for those with light sensitivities or vision impairments. Strategically placed wood slats create acoustically balanced spaces that allow students to focus. We also positioned classrooms along the building’s perimeter and incorporated expansive windows and halo skylights to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
With modern technology, flexible learning spaces, and an inclusive design that welcomes all, the HSSC is a bold, sustainable step toward the future of liberal arts education in Iowa, built on Grinnell’s rich academic tradition.
" }At a Glance
-
177K
Square Feet
-
74%
Energy Reduction
-
12
Awards
- Location
- Grinnell, Iowa
- Offices
-
-
Client
-
-
Grinnell College
-
-
Awards
-
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Iowa Excellence in Energy Efficient Design Award, 2025
-
-
Architecture Award, Copper Development Association (CDA), 2023
-
-
Excellence in Architecture for Building Additions, Renovation, or Adaptive—Honorable Mention, 2023
- Location
- Grinnell, Iowa
- Offices
- Client
-
- Grinnell College
- Awards
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) Iowa Excellence in Energy Efficient Design Award, 2025
- Architecture Award, Copper Development Association (CDA), 2023
- Excellence in Architecture for Building Additions, Renovation, or Adaptive—Honorable Mention, 2023