Advancing Agricultural Research

At Purdue University, the Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation Center supports critical research in agriculture and soil science. As research needs evolved, there was an opportunity to expand the facility to better support soil sample preparation and collaboration across disciplines.

Fragmented and Inefficient Processes

Existing soil preparation methods were time-consuming, inconsistent, and in some cases less safe than what Purdue was striving for. Without a centralized space, researchers worked across dispersed areas, limiting efficiency and opportunities to share knowledge and best practices.

Designing for Efficiency and Collaboration

In collaboration with Applied Engineering, Synthesis led a feasibility study grounded in extensive discovery. Stakeholder interviews, industry tours, and equipment research informed a detailed program, schematic layouts, and system requirements. The design consolidates soil preparation into a centralized facility, improving workflow, consistency, and safety. Architecturally, the addition complements the existing building with a high-bay form and draws from agrarian precedents through double-pitched rooflines, all executed within the efficiency of a pre-engineered metal building system.

A Smarter, More Connected Research Environment

The proposed addition positions the Innovation Center to better support current and future research demands. By streamlining processes and creating a shared environment for collaboration, the design enhances both efficiency and knowledge exchange, strengthening Purdue’s ability to lead in agricultural innovation.