Design/Completion 1997/2000
Carson, California
25,000 s.f.
Building Structure: Concrete masonry walls, steel frame, metal deck and metal roofing.
Building Materials: Exposed concrete masonry, exposed steel framed roof/ceiling, metal canopies and metal roofing, high-performance glazing
Design Awards:
2000 American School and University
2000 Education Design Showcase
Creating an educational facility that will serve and expand our diverse population of students in a flexible setting is the basis for the design of this unique facility. Drawing from High School, College age and working adults, this project is a contemporary community asset. The facility provides distance-learning opportunities to link the Dominguez Hills campus with other institutions of higher learning. The points of entry address campus pedestrian and vehicular paths of travel. The placement of the buildings defines the edge of campus where adjacent public sports venues meet academic buildings, with community and student body access to both.
The new building provides administrative office space, a registration building, a conferencing center available to on-campus and off-campus groups, and high-tech instructional classrooms and lecture halls. A collection of three buildings segregates uses to allow independent operating hours, and evening and weekend class schedules. The spaces between buildings provide opportunities for outdoor events and outdoor teaching settings. An executive conference room has an attached serving kitchen, restrooms and a private outdoor patio for high-level University meetings, and is accessible to the public for lease.
Building design incorporates environmentally responsive solutions for natural and artificial lighting, air distribution systems, and easily maintained and durable building materials. Sustainable strategies include: energy efficient lighting to supplement the introduction of natural lighting through high-performance glazing and sky lighting; a central plant for forced air heating and ventilating; water-efficient plumbing fixtures; a high ratio of pervious exterior surfaces for storm water retention; and drought-tolerant plant materials.
Building materials are selected for durability and compatibility with existing buildings. Concrete masonry is the predominant exterior and exposed interior structural and finish material, accented with steel structure, canopies and enclosure walls. Expanses of high-performance glazing enhance light, views, and supervision. Exposed structure expands the perimeter of the building envelope, and adds a high-tech feel to a technology savvy educational curriculum. The resulting complex of educational and administrative buildings consolidates the extended education program into its own micro-campus, and provides a home to the greatest income producing and community enhancing program offered at the University.
