Evergreen Community College Library & Education Technology Center, San Jose

Through a thorough site analysis, the 76,700-sq.-ft., multi-story Library and Education Technology Center was designed to serve as the West Campus Gateway and acts as a terminus for many major pedestrian corridors. Respecting the original planning and surrounding buildings, the LET Center was placed to establish a clearly defined quad, outdoor social spaces and redirect student pathways. The designs of the interior spaces for the new library provide flexible floor plans, centralized services with visible staffing stations and thoughtful integration of joint uses.

To enhance the learning environment and fully utilize the numerous sunny days, natural light is drawn in from the ceiling to illuminate the deep-bayed building. Carefully modulated sun-shading devices control west-facing windows minimizing afternoon heat gain, while providing extraordinary views to the valley below.

As the pivotal component in developing a cohesive campus environment and new campus gateway, the LET Center combines three formerly disparate departments into a singular cohesive facility accentuated by outdoor rooms and plazas, and promotes a cross-fertilization approach between staff, students and curriculum.

A combination of materials found in existing campus buildings were utilized to reinforce campus unity, although the new structure achieves a presence and energy not usually found on the grounds of two-year institutions. Reflective of its mission to provide access to information, the design vocabulary draws from patterns, materials and colors prevalent in circuit boards.

A shared main entrance permits easy access to each of the three facilities, with the lobby functioning on two levels. The lobby and conference room can be utilized by the community for special events. By placing the computer lab on the ground floor and lowering its ceiling, the library serves as a focal point featuring high ceilings, large windows and dramatic exposed structural support "branches" that reference the Tree of Knowledge and the community's evergreen trees. The effect is a sheltering grove for students gazing out at the spectacular hillsides. This volume and stature of the library's location conveys its importance as a center for learning, socialization and community.

Judges' Comments:

"Some stunning interior elements make this project very [non-academic] looking."

Project Team:

Owner: San Jose/Evergreen Community College District
Architect: Steinberg Architects
Construction manager: Critical Solutions
General contractor: Swinerton Builders
Landscape architect: David Gates & Associates
Engineering team:
Degenkolb Engineers (structural)
Alfa Tech (mechanical/electrical/plumbing)
BKF (civil)
Key consultants:
Thorburn Associates (acoustics)
Hanscomb Faithful & Gould (cost)

Return to the list