OPN Architects and collaborating lab/design consultants Ellenzweig were selected to assist the University with the design and construction of Hach Hall. Opened in August 2010, Hach Hall provides space for laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices for the Department of Chemistry at Iowa State University. The Department of Chemistry plays a key role in the teaching and research mission of the University enhancing Iowa State’s competitive position as a leading research institution.

The plan organizes the labs in a contiguous block, with offices, meeting rooms, conference rooms, and building lobby located at the west end of the building. The more public functions, such as building commons, teaching laboratories, and pre-lab classrooms are located on the first floor of the building. Synthetic research laboratories and faculty offices are located on the second and third floors while vibration and light sensitive physical/analytical research labs are at the basement level.

The exterior of the building is designed in a contemporary manner to express the nature of the building’s teaching and research mission, while relating to the overall campus context. The form honors the modified classical style of the more traditional brick and limestone neighboring buildings while embracing the contemporary nature of the more recent additions that are rendered in brick, glass, and metal.

Features of Hach Hall include:

• Flexible research laboratory spaces and casework allow the department to respond to changes in research teams, topics, equipment, and techniques
• Technologically advanced teaching laboratories (organic and general chemistry) to promote interactive, science exploration, and learning
• Interaction areas throughout the building encourage planned and spontaneous discussions, brain-storming, and outreach sessions