Project Data:

Completion Date:     10/1/2024

Square Footage:      37832

Building Use:           Science and Math Higher Education classrooms, labs, collaboration areas, auditorium, and public spaces

Project Description:

The new Science Math Building advances Saddleback College’s flagship Computer Science and STEM programs, providing a platform for educators and industry experts to engage future STEM professionals. The project includes a variety of classrooms, broadcasting labs, a lecture auditorium, multiple social library functions, and a cyber security lab for students and faculty.

Taking a significant step in advancing the campus’ master plan, the design brings character and connectivity to the South campus through architecture, landscape, movement, and programming. Pedestrian bridges and plazas planted with the valley’s native landscape connect diverse campus areas to become a new heart for the south end of campus. A stepped composition of three glass pavilions navigates the site’s unique topographical conditions, including a 30-foot drop, and creates campus-oriented front doors on each of the three levels. The heart of the building choreographs movement and activity within the hillside setting to create an iconic image for the new building rooted in a sense of place. Indoor/outdoor connections blur the boundaries of the buildings through bridges, glass, windows, and terraces. Expansive windows and tiered massing visually connect levels of active gathering spaces and creates seamless access to outdoor spaces that enhance the student experience.

Programming includes the Computer Science department with active learning labs, collaboration resource center, and faculty pods. A central staircase leads to the second floor Math department, which includes additional active learning labs, common space around the open staircase, and access to an outdoor plaza. The third floor includes additional labs, administrative offices, a green roof, and a pedestrian bridge that extends toward a new plaza that is on-grade with the main campus and quad.

Unique features include a prominently positioned cybersecurity lab and server on the first floor that places engineering on display; a cloud room with periscope oculus window that offers quiet study retreat; and a series of friezes, salvaged from the demolished building, integrated into on a display walls and site elements. The blend of transparency and flexibility within the Science Math Building create dynamic relationships for students and teachers to come together for learning and collaboration.

With sustainability in mind, drought resistant landscaping; natural daylighting and ventilation; biophilic connections; sustainable materials; rooftop solar array; and bioswales come together to ensure the facility serves as a good steward to its surrounding environment.

Firm Name:              HGA

Completion Date:     10/1/2024

Square Footage:      37832

Building Use:           Science and Math Higher Education classrooms, labs, collaboration areas, auditorium, and public spaces

Location:                 Mission Viejo, California

Project Description:
Saddleback College’s Science Math Building features a stepped composition of three glass pavilions that navigate unique topographical conditions while creating welcoming, campus oriented front doors on each of its three levels. The heart of the building choreographs movement and activity within the hillside setting to create an iconic image for the new building rooted in a sense of place.

Indoor/outdoor connections blur the boundaries of the buildings through bridges, glass, windows, and terraces. Expansive windows and tiered massing visually connect levels of active gathering spaces and creates seamless access to outdoor spaces that enhance the student experience.

An amphitheater nestled in the hillside cascades down toward the second level, while rooftop terraces and a green roof reinforce connections between indoor and outdoor experiences. Transparency and flexibility create dynamic relationships for students and teachers to come together for learning and collaboration.

The project advances the goals of the College, aiming to improve student success, increase students’ transfer to four-year institutions, and build robust career technical education programs. Demolishing an existing aging facility, the new building accommodates much needed technology and provides more efficient use of space and energy to increase opportunities for success.

The building addresses the region’s need for career-focused Computer Science and related STEM programs to meet the needs of the growing local job market.

Design Architect:
Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA)

Associate Architect or Firm:
N/A

Landscape Architect:
Landscape Architect: Carter, Romanek Landscape Architects, Inc.

Owner / Developer:
Owner/Developer: South Orange County CCD

Engineer:
MEP Engineering: P2S Engineering, Inc.

Structural Engineering: Saiful Bouquet Structural Engineers

Civil Engineering: Labib Funk + Associates

General Contractor:
TBD – project not yet under construction. GC Prequalification meeting occurred 8/17/22.

Consultant:
AV/IT/Security: Vantage Technology Consulting Group

Cost Estimating: The Capital Projects Group

Acoustics: Acentech

Signage: Gerald Stamm Design

Photographer:
N/A: Renderings by HGA