Aspiration & Achievement

A bright and transparent building with abundant daylight illuminating a range of learning environments, from classrooms to interactive hubs

RECOGNITION

Earth Advantage Gold Certification

PROJECT DETAILS

This contemporary addition to an outdated building on Oregon’s oldest community college campus exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to teaching and learning. Its open format provides a welcoming backdrop for seamlessly integrating traditional instruction styles with innovative pedagogies in both conventional classroom settings and accommodating more interactive learning.

The design prioritizes a commitment to visibility and transparency in education by incorporating large interior windows onto hallways. This thoughtful design choice invites curiosity and engagement, by enabling passersby to observe the dynamic activities within. It also instills a sense of openness and accessibility throughout the building.  Large exterior windows maintain a connection to the surrounding natural landscape.

Public areas are designed as vibrant hubs of interaction and learning. Floor-to-ceiling writing surfaces and display cases transform offer interactive zones where students and faculty can engage in discussions and share knowledge. These elements turn a variety of spaces into active, participatory learning environments, with education inherent in the fabric of the building. This thoughtfully designed educational ecosystem blending transparency, flexibility, and interactive spaces creates an inspiring setting embodying a vision of education that is both inclusive and forward-looking. Designed to LEED Gold standards, it was also an Earth Advantage pilot project.