Northwest Missouri State University, Agricultural Learning Center

Northwest Missouri State University, Agricultural Learning Center

The Agricultural Learning Center for Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU) is located southeast of R.T. Wright Farm on the north side of Missouri Highway 71. The facility houses two primary program elements: agricultural education and agricultural exposition united by public and student interactive spaces.

The agricultural education element consists of four laboratories, two classrooms, a commercial kitchen, and administrative office components. The two classrooms include a 100-person, subdividable, large traditional classroom and a 45-person active learning classroom. The four laboratories in the building are for meat fabrication, dairy fabrication, animal health, and agronomy.

The agricultural exposition element consists of a 10,000-SF expo space, warming kitchen, and event storage areas. The expo space is designed as a flexible space to accommodate various teaching and outreach events, including, animal showing, banquet needs for up to 500 people, and large and small equipment display.

Conceptually, the design of the Agricultural Learning Center promotes the convergence of NWMSU’s four-part mission for their evolving programs focused on:

  • Rural development through agriculture.
  • Urban development through agriculture.
  • Agricultural literacy to bridge the urban-rural divide.
  • Skilled workforce development.

The facility’s design celebrates these key elements through interactive displays and design elements within the public and student interactive spaces. It not only meets the programmatic needs of the NWMSU Agricultural Sciences departments’ growing programs but also helps to educate and inform visitors about the importance of agriculture across Missouri.

Stats and Results
Location Maryville, Missouri
Square Feet 30,000

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