Missouri Innovation Campus Earns Additional Recognition

The Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC) – a collaboration between Kansas City-area businesses, the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District, Metropolitan Community College, and the University of Central Missouri (UCM) – received a special citation award from the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) for excellence in architecture for a new building.

Henderson Engineers designed the acoustics, architectural lighting, electrical, fire and life safety, mechanical, plumbing, security, and technology systems that focused on adaptability in the approximately 140,000 SF facility. Early visioning workshops with business partners resulted in a design model that takes many cues from contemporary workplace environments. Henderson’s K-12 and higher education teams worked on the project.

According to the SCUP selection board, the campus is, “… architecturally rigorous … very business feel to it – prepares kids for business … invests in the community with education from beginning to end, keeping students local – integrating grade school through college …”

Since learning environments continually evolve, a variable air volume system and flexible power and lighting solutions were used in classrooms, meeting spaces, and training labs to keep spaces flexible as teaching methods progress. The VAV air handling units stayed inside the building and are served by hot water high-efficiency boilers and a quiet air-cooled chiller. This extends the life of the units, lowers long-term costs, minimizes maintenance needs, and creates a safer workplace. Education and lifelong learning are core tenants of the Henderson Engineers culture.

“The Henderson staff integrated into our design teams in a collaborative way which was essential in creating our fully coordinated design,” said Kyle Gorrell, director of facilities for the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. “Their input related to MEP systems blended perfectly into a wide variety of very specific program needs. Specifically they were very helpful in selection of the optimal mechanical system, which balanced cost, comfort, energy efficiency, and maintainability. To sum it up, I can say without a doubt that through Henderson’s assistance we were able to create a seamless multidisciplinary design that fully supports our innovative educational model.”

The MIC – located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri – is home to the country’s most accelerated K-16 degree program. By engaging business partners and community organizations, the program shortens the time to degree completion, significantly reduces college debt, and provides job-ready skills highly sought by employers. The building is a timeless symbol of the advanced technological programs happening within.

During a speech on the UCM campus July 24, 2013, former President Barack Obama praised the MIC and the experience it provides for students.

“Not only are you graduating debt-free, but you also know you have a job waiting for you at the other end,” Obama said. “Now, that is exactly the kind of innovation we need when it comes to college costs. That’s what’s happening right here… and I want the entire country to notice it, and I want other colleges to take a look at what’s being done here.”

Along with Henderson, the project team included Gould Evans, DLR Group, SK Design Group, and McCownGordon Construction.

Recent in the News

Perspectives Magazine Interviews Henderson CEO About CPKC Stadium

Kevin Lewis discusses world’s first stadium purpose-built for a professional women’s sports team with UMKC's alumni magazine.

Read More

Henderson Healthcare Design Expert Breaks Down How to Utilize Suites Under NFPA 101

Mark Chrisman, health sector executive, shares expert insights into the process of incorporating suites in healthcare facilities.

Read More

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, DELIVERED.

Join our email list to get the latest design innovations, technical content, company news, and industry research from Henderson’s experts delivered straight to your inbox.