| The project’s goal was to re-establish the existing main campus core as the center of student learning and administration in a sustainable design of two existing buildings. The original campus was designed in 1960. The center of campus was the hub of knowledge (the library a house for books) which is now converted into heart of knowledge sharing (study and student spaces). Student and faculty representatives from various major groups on campus met throughout the design process to incorporate the needs of the college into the development of a program. These forums resulted into the vision of reviving the heart of campus with various reading and study areas, flexible instructional classrooms, computer labs, study rooms and tutoring areas.
The renovation of the two existing buildings took careful consideration of the existing campus context and style established by John Warnecke in 1960. The existing concrete walls protect the interior environment form the desert climate. New openings in the building now allow natural light to filter in with more glass that is carefully protected from the exterior with large louvers and overhangs. The design activates the campus by connecting indoor program with outdoor spaces visually and physically. The site improvements to the plaza between the existing buildings includes the Fountain of Knowledge that is surrounded by outdoor spaces that are intentionally planned to enhance student life. Research shows that students who spend more time on campus fare better academically and are more likely to graduate. The mantra for the Student Learning Center was “keeping students on campus.” The enlarged windows into the student study spaces on the second floor of the reimaged library overlook the campus and act as a beacon to entice students to share their knowledge and learning experiences. The smaller library annex building houses the boardroom and pre-function spaces for community gatherings and college functions.
The College of the Desert Campus has been an icon in the community since its creation in 1960 and the community took a strong stance to preserve the aesthetic of the existing campus core buildings. The preservation of the exterior facade was achieved by careful seismic enhancements on the interior while opening up the basement and creating more usable space on the mezzanine level. A new central stair connects all floors and allows for better wayfinding and visual engagement.
The College has embraced a mission to “Create a Model Sustainable Campus” and has prescribed that the renovation of the Central Campus Redevelopment project is designed and constructed to meet LEED Silver & the 2030 Challenge with 77% REDUCTION in energy use.
• Integration with campus stormwater management systems
• “cool roof” systems
• Water efficient landscaping and plumbing fixtures
• Building commissioning program provided by campus
• Optimized energy performance through high performance envelope, mechanical, and electrical systems;
• Specification of recycled content and locally produced materials
• Specification of FSC certified wood products
• Best practices for ventilation rate design, control, and monitoring
• Specification of Low-emitting materials and finishes
• Integration of indoor pollutant source control measures |
