Raven Precision Agriculture Center design claims award

The design of one of the newest buildings on the South Dakota State University campus — the Raven Precision Agriculture Center — has been recognized by the South Dakota chapter of the American Institute of Architects. 

A Merit Award in Architecture, acknowledging the innovative design by EAPC Architects Engineers, was announced in September at the American Institute of Architects South Dakota annual conference. 

Designed as a hub for collaborative research and education, the Raven Precision Agriculture Center brings together SDSU's Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science. With its nearly 130,000 square feet of space, the center is equipped with extensive wet laboratories, industrial research spaces and specialized facilities such as a dynamometer bay and a quarter-scale tractor lab. It also includes substantial classroom and office areas. 

The $46.2 million facility, which opened in fall 2021, was supported by South Dakota stakeholder groups, industry partners and legislative leaders. Initial design work started in 2015, but efforts to bring the facility to fruition started years before that. 

SDSU President Barry Dunn said he’s thrilled to see the building recognized. 

“We put an awful lot of work into the design phase, and EAPC listened and worked with students, faculty and department heads. Clearly EAPC created a facility that exceeded our dreams,” Dunn said. 

The president said his favorite design feature is the abundance of natural light, including the building’s center atrium and massive windows on the north side, where it’s hard to get light in the winter in South Dakota. 

“EAPC just lit this building up with natural light, and they didn’t have to. They created an opportunity to get light into the interior of the building, which I think is fantastic. It helps people’s attitudes and their productivity,” Dunn said. “We had ideas, we had vision, but EAPC brought it all together. They were the catalyst to bring our vision to reality.” 

Leap Chear, EAPC senior architect and partner, said receiving the award was a great honor. 

“The jurors from the American Institute of Architects commended the building for its sustainable design, natural lighting and dynamic spaces that encourage collaboration and active learning,” he said. 

Chear emphasized the jurors' appreciation for the building's design, which captures the essence of its surroundings through the reflection of sunrises and sunsets. 

The building's sustainability efforts earned it a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council earlier this year. The LEED silver designation was earned through the building’s energy efficient operation, indoor environment, reduced water usage and sustainable material use. 

“As a department, we are incredibly proud of the Raven Precision Agriculture Center,” said Barry Mielke, associate vice president for Facilities and Services at SDSU. “In addition to the usability and aesthetics of the building, our service teams ensure the building systems, or the behind-the-scenes type services like heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing and landscaping, are highly functional and durable. Designing, operating and maintaining those systems is critical for the building to win awards on day one, but more importantly for it to be functional and impressive 20-plus years from now, too. We are confident it will be.” 

Shawn Crowley, EAPC architect and higher education sector lead, highlighted the building's strategic use of natural light in its design. 

“Its transparent design, especially noticeable on the first level, invites the passersby to view the science activities happening in the labs,” he explained. The building's seemingly simple yet consistent structure, accentuated by extensive glass areas, symbolizes the advanced technology driving precision agriculture. 

Chear expressed appreciation for SDSU officials, underscoring the success of EAPC's partnership with SDSU over the years, which has resulted in several key projects such as the Wellness Center addition, First Bank & Trust Arena, Berg Agricultural Hall renovations, the Frank J. Kurtenbach Family Wrestling Center, and the upcoming renovation of Larson Commons.