The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s New Academic Building has become the first building in the state of Indiana to earn full WELL certification. The 70,000-square-foot facility has earned Silver level WELL Certification for the implementation of design and technology that directly enhances the health and wellness for the college’s students, staff, faculty and visitors.
Established by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the WELL certification targets performance requirements regarding air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind features that impact human health and well-being in buildings. Following the 2019 pandemic, WELL and associated building certifications saw a significant uptick in adopters, which has yet to slow down.
Rose-Hulman’s receipt of the certification comes following rigorous third-party testing conducted through a series of inspections to ensure the building met all the above criteria.
“Earning WELL Certification for our New Academic Building showcases our commitment to implementing sustainability, health and wellness building standards across campus,” said Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons.
“This had been a strong commitment from our Board of Trustees and administration when planning the project, the architects and engineers in designing the building, and our facilities staff in working throughout the certification process.”
Reflecting the Rhythm of Life in Education
RATIO Design and R.E. Dimond & Associates (Indianapolis, Indiana) provided the architecture and the mechanical, electrical and plumbing, respectively. Garmong Construction Services (Terre Haute, Indiana) meanwhile, provided construction services for the site, which opened for the 2021-22 school year.
The building itself features design fabrication, rapid prototyping areas, classrooms, chemistry and biochemistry laboratories, a food science research lab, and student-faculty collaborative workspaces.
The building also features several artistic touches that further accentuate the focus on the occupants therein. One such element includes the central concourse art installation. Titled, ‘Depth of Field,’ the piece continuously changes colors throughout the day and night and is meant to reflect the rhythm of life and the heartbeat of the people within the building.