establishing a new direction
The Science and Computer Lab Building (SCLB) is an addition to the Southeast Campus of the Tarrant County College District. This building, merging the Life and Computer Science programs, is a model for interdisciplinary facilities through its approach to planning, site and the environment.
This potential LEED® Silver building creates a new identity for the campus and establishes the language for its future in its commitment to quality and craft. Following the master plan, this first step towards a multi-building institution frames a new campus axis and science/technology corridor.
sustainable design drives a new image
The siting, along an east/west axis adjacent to the original campus structure, allows for significant reduction in solar heat gain and provides significant glazing along the north and south facades for light and view, which additionally provides daylighting to all interior academic and student spaces.
Deep sculptural fins on the east and west façades create a dramatic building expression and effective sun control. The building’s materials take its cue from the original structure, complementing the existing fabric while expressing contemporary notions of craft and purposefulness.
collaborative instruction reshapes knowledge exchange
The SCLB’s planning invites collaboration of the various disciplines within the building through a central, multi-story gathering and circulation space, as well as smaller group study areas located throughout the building and in the surrounding landscape. The building’s cantilevered structure provides shaded exterior seating and gathering areas that extend into a contemplative plaza on the east end of the building, while allays of trees shade smaller seating areas along the north and south facades.
landscape as a continuation of architecture
The integration of landscape creates a dynamic extension of the programmatic space with a variety of exterior study, gathering and social spaces. A bosc of Live Oaks compliment the sculptural east façade, a shaded plaza between the two buildings and flowering shade trees and sitting areas along the building invite student and faculty use. This merging of landscape and architecture, driven through sustainable concepts, illustrates the importance of both disciplines to successful campus architecture and planning.
The new Science and Computer Lab Building provides:
- Student gathering areas
- General purpose classrooms
- 150-200 student lecture halls
- Teaching science laboratories
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