| The more a student is engaged, the better the chance that student has to succeed. This principle was a driving force in the design of the building and manifests itself in the form of the main common space at the building’s core. Built on the idea of a “high-tech, high-touch” environment, this two-story space is the starting point for services, with each service department represented and easily identified. Technology savvy students (high-tech) have access to self-service computers to learn about or register for programs. Staff members located at traditional service counters offer assistance for students who crave personalized guidance (high-touch). From this vantage point, students have visual access and an awareness of all of the services that are available to them on their journey to academic success.
The architectural context at Riverside City College is diverse, yet distinctly rooted in architecture that harkens back to more traditional times. From the Spanish Revival expression of the 1920s quadrangle building to the replacement facilities of the original college, the campus is steeped in history and tradition. This sense of place, as defined by the campus’ built environment, extends beyond the boundaries of the campus. The local residences and adjacent institutional facilities within the community extend the nostalgic architecture in varying forms and create a unifying bond among its residents that reflects the strong social values of the local population. The design of the Student Services and Administration Building embraces these values and develops an architectural character that is inspired by the existing quadrangle building and the historic California missions.
A gateway building is more than a building located near a campus entry. It embodies the aspiration for the campus architecture and sends a message to the student body and local community. The design for the Student Services and Administration Building was developed with this in mind. The Student Services and Administration Building will be one the first facilities students interact with upon admission. This initial experience should be positive, as it will set the tone for the rest of their collegiate career. It may also be the last facility that students interact with, as it is the last stop along their journey before they transfer into the workforce or to a four-year university. In this sense, the building is a true gateway. It is important that the image of the facility embodies the traditional values of the college and conveys a welcoming feeling for its students.
The Student Services and Administration Building will exemplify how an efficient, healthy and economically feasible building can be achieved through the implementation of fundamental sustainable design techniques, while supporting the social and academic success of its students. With a focus on passive design strategies such as a high-performing building envelope, the use of natural daylight and the implementation of durable building materials, the building will provide a tailor-made environment that reflects the college’s goals for operational efficiency, durability and energy efficiency.
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