Client: Iowa State University –

Ames, IA

Project:
Morrill Hall GreenTouchscreen®

Completion Date:
4/20/07

Summary:

In 2007 Iowa State University’s historical Morrill Hall undertook a major “green” renovation. The university wanted a dynamic way to both promote the college and educate students and visitors about sustainability. A GreenTouchscreen® kiosk was incorporated into their building plans to do just that. Building information ranging from its abundant history and “green” renovations to its donors and programs can be viewed at the touch of a finger. GreenTouchscreen® has created a valuable educational tool for users of all ages.

Business Situation:

Iowa State University’s Morrill Hall is the second oldest building on campus, built in 1891, and the nation’s first land grant institution. Due to increasing cosmetic deterioration, the building was closed in 1998. The decision to renovate the historic building was made in 2002. Included in the renovation plans was to gain a LEED® Certification.

The university was looking for an innovative way to educate visitors about the unique history of the building and its new “green” renovation. They were also looking for a dynamic way to recognize the many donors that made the new renovation possible. To fit in with the modern, high tech building it was important to have an educational tool that visitors would be impressed with, while keeping the look and feel of the university.

Major Goals:

• Educate students, employees and visitors about the overall sustainability of the building.
• Help visitors find their way around the building.
• Inform students, employees and visitors about how they can play a role in conservation and sustainability.
• Assist in the marketing of ISU to potential students.
• Provide recognition to the donors of the restoration project.
• Impress users.

Solution:

Iowa State University found that the most effective and compelling way to meet all their needs was through a GreenTouchscreen® kiosk. The university has had the ability to fully customize their kiosk to meet, and even exceed, their goals. Their new system includes an interactive building directory, donor recognition and up to date events calendar. The rich history of the building is interactively displayed among engaging page flipping effects, along with the many pages of “green” education, revealing the many hidden sustainable features of the building.

Solution Benefits:

Morrill Hall’s GreenTouchscreen® benefits the university, students and visitors in many ways. It is a one-stop educational kiosk with information ranging from the building’s rich history, to its innovative “green” features and much more. It is an easy way for the university to integrate so many aspects of the building in one spot.

Donors receive more acknowledgment with the interactive donor recognition module. Rather than a wall that simply displays a list of names, users can view details and conduct a simple search for specific donors.

With the renovation of Morrill Hall came new classrooms, galleries and offices. A building directory on the kiosk allows students and visitors find these locations at the tip of their finger. Several interactive pages are dedicated to promoting Iowa State University and Morrill Hall by educating users about the many programs housed within the building its intensive renovation process, green aspects and history.

With Morrill Hall being the first LEED® Certified building on campus, it needed a way to stand out; to be recognized by students, faculty and visitors. GreenTouchscreen® was the perfect choice to dynamically display its features and history.