ASHRAErecognized the Des Moines Area Community College West Campus for a technologically innovative design that features a raised floor system to allow power and telecommunication cords to be easily accessible from any area of the room. This allows flexibility in room layout and creates a clean appearance and a safer environment. To make use of the raised floor and to eliminate ductwork in the classrooms, an underfloor air distribution (UFAD) system was used for heating and cooling. The system was awarded a first-place ASHRAE Technology Award during the Society's 2004 Winter Meeting held in Anaheim, CA January 24-28, 2004.

The system was designed by David Inghram, P.E., who earned first place in the new institutional buildings category. Inghram is a senior project engineer, KJWW Engineering Consultants, Des Moines, IA.