Neumann Monson architects Eric Neuhaus and Cheung Chan recently presented a course on dowel laminated timber (DLT) building systems at the 2018 AIA Iowa Fall Convention in Des Moines. The course focused on the properties of mass timber, outlining its environmental characteristics and comparing it to other building materials. Eric and Cheung presented the DLT design and construction process using Neumann Monson’s 111 East Grand Avenue project as a case study. The building is currently under construction in Des Moines’ East Village.

Neumann Monson Architects is a 40-year-old, award-winning architecture firm with offices in Iowa City and Des Moines. For the past quarter century, Kevin Monson led the firm’s growth and evolution. In 2018, Tim Schroeder, Vice President, stepped into the role of President as Kevin continued as Chairman of the Board. The transition, which had been in the firm’s growth blueprint for years, marked an exciting new episode for Neumann Monson Architects.

We collected 437 gently used and new books to benefit the United Way’s My Very Own Book Community Book Drive. In 2016 organizers collected more than 3,100 books, and set a goal of 5,000 for the 2017 drive. Books were distributed in the summer and fall to kids age pre-k through sixth grade.

Neumann Monson, FilmScene & the South East Iowa Architects Section held a screening of the film “Columbus” in October. An open forum panel discussion featuring several practicing architects and professors of architecture followed. The goal for the event was to provide a point of access to the discuss and question architecture’s relevance and promote an appreciation for the role of design in the community around us.

We laced up our running shoes for the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Christine Grant 5K race. Funds raised from the event went to the annual Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build which aims to unite women by empowering and challenging them to learn new skills as they act out Habitat’s mission to provide safe, decent and affordable housing to low-income families and individuals. Find local Habitat for Humanity events and volunteer opportunities at www.iowahabitat.org

The first annual Iowa City Downtown Block Party held in July was an epic experience. Live music, giant jenga, sand volleyball, public art installations, a fashion show, an alleyway movie, and dozens of other events took place throughout the pedestrian mall and surrounding blocks from 5 to 11 p.m. The NM team stopped by earlier in the day to help set up tables, chairs, tents, water buckets, banners, and fencing to prepare for the big night. As an incentive for volunteer groups to sign up, the Downtown District awarded a $450 cash sponsorship, which we chose to pay forward to the Iowa City Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP). DVIP provides support and advocacy services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking. For more information on the DVIP, visit www.dvipiowa.org

This past summer, Neumann Monson sponsored a community screening of the movie The Princess Bride on the University of Iowa Pentacrest. The Free Movie Series is part of the Iowa City Summer of the Arts programming. Patrons were encouraged to stop by early to grab some movie themed freebies and catch a demonstration by the Iowa City Fencing Center. For volunteer opportunities and information on additional Summer of the Arts events, visit www.summerofthearts.org.

In May 2017, we collected 35 units of blood for the University of Iowa DeGowin Blood Center. All blood collected by DeGowin is used locally to help patients at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and UI Children’s Hospital. Consider donating to a blood center near you – giving 1 unit can save 3 lives!

Our Eames inspired House of Cards made an appearance at the Iowa City MERGE space for the Summer of the Arts Soul Festival. We invited the community to join us in constructing a massive city out of nearly 10,000 cards. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to explore their inner architect.

In support of breast cancer awareness month in October, we fired up our 3-D printing machine to create a bra for the annual Bras for the Cause fundraising gala in West Des Moines. Design inspiration for our bra, titled In-Tension, came from the aesthetic beauty, and structural stability of suspension bridges. Bras for the Cause is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization that raises funds to eradicate breast and cervical cancer – especially through early intervention mammograms and cervical screenings for women across Iowa. Learn more at www.brasforthecause.com