PROJECT NARRARTIVE

Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) prides itself on providing a real-world atmosphere to prepare students to enter the workforce with the problem-solving skills needed to be successful. NCC knew they needed to modernize their Automotive and Diesel Technology facilities. These spaces needed to support the learning that was already happening but increase the transparency and collaboration of these programs to the local businesses recruiting their students.

CMBA was able to take advantage of an existing shell to create the new automotive lab that highlights learning on display and provides a state-of-the-art environment for students to have both direct and hands-on learning. A classroom space off the automotive lab is equipped with a vehicle lift for demonstration. The diesel lab is set up similarly and is housed in a new pre-cast addition that provides a large volume of space to accommodate trucks/trailers, agriculture, and construction equipment. The use of precast materials reduced construction time considerably as labor shortages have impacted this region.

The campus lacked a strong collegiate brand, so it was important to NCC that this project be the catalyst in building their brand. The design implements the brand not only in color and material but pays tribute to the five counties that the college serves.