Facilities Planning, Design, Construction
Changing the Face of Community Colleges: Establishing a Design Worthy of their Merit
Architecture and design of Community Colleges should make a statement about the value of these institutions. Across America, too many Community Colleges look like high schools or strip malls conveying an unintentional message about their worth. Their physical appearance does not reflect their distinctive mission, students, pedagogy and community relationships. What if community college designs were more consistent with the public’s idea of a "college campus" -if it evoked Princeton more than Wal-Mart?
This decade displays a new kind of built environment that supports the idea that student attitudes about education reflect their learning environment. To meet their needs, the architect must coordinate with the Community College Board and faculty to launch an ambitious but affordable long range facilities plan, consistent with their educational strategic plan. This presentation offers a review of a Community College’s long range facility goals, the planning process, current projects and the value of lasting results.
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