Institute for Design Research & Outreach (IDRO)

Design offers transformative opportunities for improving the quality of life. The College of Design’s research and outreach initiatives are key elements of our reputation. They provide for generative activities and test beds of ideas, contributing to faculty recruitment and retention, student recruitment and learning, and service to the public. At the College of Design, we are committed to growing our capacity and reputation through the research and outreach of our faculty and students in both disciplinary and inter/multidisciplinary efforts.

Created in 1993, the Institute for Design Research and Outreach (IDRO) encompasses the research, extension and outreach missions of the College of Design. Broadly defined, IDRO’s overall mission is to stimulate and support research and outreach efforts in areas of strength and relevance to the design disciplines. The institute strives to promote interdisciplinary design research, to facilitate communication with design professionals and the public, and to respond to the needs of the people of Iowa in areas associated with the design disciplines. Projects often are conducted collaboratively, and individual faculty may be involved in several different programs at the same time. Through IDRO, faculty and students work together with citizen groups, businesses, communities, and agencies in addressing problems to improve the quality of our built environment, and our lives.

Institute for Design  Research and Outreach (IDRO)
Director, Luis Rico-Gutierrez
Interim Associate Director, Julie Aberg Robison

Center for Building Energy Research (CBER)
The Center for Building Energy Research (CBER) focuses on the relationship between building design strategies and innovative technologies.
Director, Ulrike Passe

Geographic Information Systems Support & Research Facility (GISF)

The GIS Support and Research Facility supports the use of geographic information system (GIS) technology at Iowa State University, providing high level GIS research support for students, faculty and staff, and providing GIS education and outreach to the ISU community and the state of Iowa.
Director, Kevin Kane

Community Design Lab (CDL)
The CDL partners with communities and organizations combining local knowledge and design research expertise to create equity and resilience through inclusive, transferable, innovative strategies and tactics.
Director, Carl Rogers

Computation & Construction Lab (CCL)
The CCL works to connect developments in computation to the challenges of construction: through teaching, research, and outreach.
Director, Shelby Doyle

Kies Sponsored Research Lab
The Kies Sponsored Research Lab supports the research faculty, staff, and their graduate students who have externally-funded projects in the College of Design.
Interim Associate Director:  Julie Aberg Robison