The project is a “one-stop” Student Services Center for a community college in the desert. Designed to be a gateway building, the interior spaces are filled with natural light that defines clear departmental organization and wayfinding. The exterior glass form on the corner draws visitors to the heart of the campus and at night glows as a metaphorical lantern of knowledge.
The simple rectangular form is sliced at the corner to create the two-story main entry. Clad in sandstone to recall the colors of the surrounding mountains, the fenestration around the building responds to the solar orientation and the desert climate. The xeriscape landscaping helps to form the exterior plaza space and entry sequence from the public way. With a limited budget and a varied program, the building has resulted in a truly dynamic experience for students. |