For more than 125 years, the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy has led the way in educating pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. The college is well known for its high-quality pharmacy education, advanced practice models, patient care, drug discovery, product development, and contract manufacturing. With a new, state-of-the-art building, Iowa pharmacy can continue to deliver a contemporary pharmacy education and prepare its graduates to be the health care leaders and scientists of the future.

The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy’s new, state-of-the-art building is a space commensurate to the college’s world-class contemporary pharmacy education that prepares its graduates to be the health care leaders and scientists of the future.

The exterior of the new 210,000-square-foot building is a reflection of the college’s role. Strategic placement of glass and the location of key programmatic spaces within the building offers a glimpse into the internal workings of the building and its occupants.

The building form is a juxtaposition of a six-story academic/research tower and a three-story sculptural object that houses the large educational spaces and a multi-functional commons area. The learning space will allow for greater focus on small group, team-based learning and enhanced critical thinking skills, state-of-the-art research space, and utilization of cutting-edge technology, such as patient simulation and 3-D conceptual integration to better address the highly complex interface between pathophysiology and pharmacology.

The focus of the space within the building begins with students — allowing for active learning, flexible classrooms, small groups, and collaboration. Attention in the design of the building was also spent on science and discovery, and entrepreneurship, and innovation. The new facility provides spaces to collect the wisdom of individuals, brainstorm new ideas, and explore and implement new ideas. This are be the first health sciences educational facility built in the U.S. that has embraced Universal Design since its inception. There are be ample space for students, faculty, staff, and colleagues to gather together to build community and a sense of belonging, including Alumni Hall, which welcomes graduates of every age.

The College of Pharmacy building project, initially projected to cost $96.3M, grew to $121M with the addition of UI Pharmaceuticals sterile product manufacturing unit, an integral component of the College. Contributing to this state-of-the-art facility that will advance healthcare in our state and beyond, is the State of Iowa, the University of Iowa, and our donors. The total square footage including the UIP, will be over 300,000 square feet.

Designed in collaboration with SLAM.