![Des Moines Municipal Services Center by Neumann Monson Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/des-moines-municipal-service-center-neumann-monson-architects-architecture-iowa-usa_dezeen_2364_hero-852x479.jpg)
Neumann Monson completes shared building for Des Moines municipal services
Neumann Monson Architects has designed a municipal services building for the city of Des Moines, to consolidate its various departments and facilitate collaboration.
![Des Moines Municipal Services Center by Neumann Monson Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/des-moines-municipal-service-center-neumann-monson-architects-architecture-iowa-usa_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x1278.jpg)
The 105,000-square-foot (9,755-square-metre) office building is the first phase of a larger masterplan to create a new civic services hub for Des Moines, the capital and most populated city in the US state of Iowa.
![Des Moines Municipal Services Center by Neumann Monson Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/des-moines-municipal-service-center-neumann-monson-architects-architecture-iowa-usa_dezeen_2364_col_10-852x852.jpg)
A central principle of the scheme was sharing spaces between different departments to reduce waste. "The City of Des Moines sought efficiencies through shared-use spaces, shared staffing, and better working environments," said a statement from Neumann Monson Architects, which is based locally.
The project is sited at a crossroads of highways and train tracks, in a former industrial neighbourhood.
![Des Moines Municipal Services Center by Neumann Monson Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/des-moines-municipal-service-center-neumann-monson-architects-architecture-iowa-usa_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x852.jpg)
"The Municipal Services Center enhances environmentally challenged land with enormous potential for Des Moines; growth and development," the firm said. "The location of this significant public investment contributes to ongoing revitalisation efforts along a major arterial street."
![Des Moines Municipal Services Center by Neumann Monson Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/des-moines-municipal-service-center-neumann-monson-architects-architecture-iowa-usa_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x852.jpg)
Two programme types are combined within the building. An offices volume occupies the western side, facing the front entrance, while a much larger service volume takes up the rest of the plan. This portion has direct access to a service entrance for the city's large vehicles.
![Des Moines Municipal Services Center by Neumann Monson Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/des-moines-municipal-service-center-neumann-monson-architects-architecture-iowa-usa_dezeen_2364_sq2-852x852.jpg)
Neumann Monson wanted to separate these different types of spaces, yet maintain a relationship between them. They did so by creating an enclosed courtyard between the two, which is shared by all the building's users.
As well as a place for social interaction, the courtyard also brings natural light to the centre of the building's expansive floor plan.
![Des Moines Municipal Services Center by Neumann Monson Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/des-moines-municipal-service-center-neumann-monson-architects-architecture-iowa-usa_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x479.jpg)
A minimalist facade is made of pre-cast concrete panels that run along the service areas and alternate with tall, thin windows to avoid excessive sun exposure.
In the office spaces, a curtain wall brings more natural light to the open-plan desk area. According to the architects, 95 per cent of workspaces have access to an operable window.
![Des Moines Municipal Services Center by Neumann Monson Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/des-moines-municipal-service-center-neumann-monson-architects-architecture-iowa-usa_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x479.jpg)
The Des Moines Municipal Service Center achieved LEED Silver designation, thanks to sustainable features like water run-off control, and the use of local and recycled materials.
Neumann Monson has completed several projects in and around Des Moines, including a conversion of a historic warehouse into offices and a farm building refurbished as a family home.
Photography is by Cameron Campbell.