Montcalm Community College

Narratives

What exemplary ideas do the designs contain that enhance learning?

Computers, simulation technologies and micro-scale experiments reduce space requirements and hazards associated with storage, handling and the disposal of chemicals, and reduce the number of fume hoods needed. Nursing practice labs were designed to accommodate moveable equipment, allowing the space to serve as a teaching lab, EMS training lab and ER simulation with minimal disruption. Advances in technology allow any lab or classroom to also act as a distance learning facility.

The context for the addition is a gradually sloping site with modest brick and metal accented buildings dating back to the mid-1960’s. The addition’s location was challenging in that it was required to link two existing buildings while engaging the sloped contours of the site. Grading, drainage, scale, and connectivity to the surrounding buildings became the fundamental design focus for this site.

The exterior shell is constructed of two different colors of brick. A dark, chocolate-colored brick anchors the building within the site and utilizes the sloping landscape, while a lighter terra-cotta colored brick is elevated to accentuate the varied building form and integrate with the existing campus brick. The glass enclosed, open computer lab is the jewel of the building. It is articulated with a pewter-colored vertical standing seam metal panel canopy offering a welcoming gesture to the campus.

The addition presents a strong horizontality which results from its connectivity to the other buildings on the site. In an effort to minimize this, the massing of the building, on the south elevation, is designed to articulate programmed elements by utilizing different materials and vertical scales.

Spaces organized along the north elevation of the addition enable views to the surrounding campus through large openings of storefront glazing and carefully placed fixed windows. Internally, the two-story connecting atrium allows the occupant to experience movement between the two existing buildings. North facing clerestory windows allow natural light to flood the space from above while glass block perforations enable southern light to track through the space as the day passes. The quality of natural light during the day varies in intensity and affect. The space is designed by the effects of light, its varied intensities and movement. The addition is seeking LEED® certification.

Similar to the States changing workforce needs, this Community College is rethinking its campus as it grows to adapt to this ever-evolving economy.