With its striking, open-plan design and deep commitment to environmentally sound construction, Indiana University’s new Cyberinfrastructure Building (CIB) proves that green can indeed be beautiful.

Dedicated last month, the $37-million structure now houses 600 professionals who once managed the university’s information technology systems from a host of different campus locations. The building joins IU’s Data Center and Innovation Center as part of a modern and growing technological park.

An active partnership shapes the plan

More than 7,800 cubic yards of Prairie concrete were used to create CIB’s foundation, floor decks and parking surfaces, reports Pat Kinder, project manager for Messer Construction of Indianapois, general contractors for the project.

Long before construction began, a user group comprised of IU engineers, architects and IT employees came together with Messer and project architects SmithGroup of Washington, DC to explore ideas for the new IT center.

“There were high expectations all the way around,” says Kinder. “Earning the highest possible LEED certification while planning for long service life and ease of maintenance were key. Equally important was the goal of creating a stimulating environment that would foster collaboration and innovation – a place that would attract top IT talent.”

The group studied landmark structures created for Google, Yahoo and other IT leaders, Kinder says. “Then we looked at ways to meet the various goals within the challenges of the building site and budget.”

Green from the ground up

Messer and concrete contractors Lithko Contracting, Inc., broke ground on the project in April 2010. New concrete parking areas were placed first, usin​g an integrally colored mix named “Indiana Beige” by Prairie mix designers. Per new standards adopted by the university for all parking surfaces, mesh fibers were added to the mix to ensure durability and extend service life.

Foundation work followed, with concrete decks poured in place within the steel-frame structure. To meet scheduling demands, Lithko performed many pours at night. Additives were used to address low temperatures as construction ​continued into the winter months. Unique design elements such as the ledge detail that tops the foundation wall required careful work and specialized forms, Kinder notes.

In line with the university’s focus on sustainability, Messer and Lithko limited waste and recycled as many leftover materials as possible during construction. Furniture, fixtures, and other materials from the university’s old computer center were reclaimed for further use.

Proud partners in a sustainable future

The new IT center, which has earned LEED Gold certification, is a source of pride for Prairie employees, says Jeff Conquest, general manager for Prairie Indiana.
“This is one of several prestigious buildings we’ve helped construct at IU in recent years,” he says. “We are pleased to support the university’s growth and its commitment to environmentally sound construction.”