Project Data:

Completion Date:     12/31/2019

Square Footage:      67000

Building Use:           community college library

Project Description:

The project’s goal was to re-establish the existing main campus core as the center of student learning in a sustainable design. The original campus, completed in 1960’s, was designed with the center of campus as the hub of knowledge (the library - a house for books) which is now converted into the heart of knowledge sharing (study and student spaces). Students and faculty representatives from various major groups on campus were engaged throughout the design process to incorporate their needs into the development of a program. These forums produced the vision for reviving the heart of campus with various reading and study areas, flexible instructional classrooms, computer labs, study rooms and tutoring areas.

The College of the Desert Campus has been an icon in the community since its creation in 1960 and the community took a strong stance to preserve the aesthetic of the original campus core buildings. As such, the renovation work took careful consideration of the style established by John Carl Warnecke. The preservation of the exterior facade was achieved with careful seismic enhancements on the interior. New strategic exterior openings allow natural light to filter in with new high-performance glazing that is carefully protected from the exterior with passive sunshades and overhangs. The design activates the campus by connecting indoor programs with outdoor spaces visually and physically. Inside, a new central stair links all floors and allows for better wayfinding, opening up the basement and creating more usable space on the mezzanine level. The site improvements to the plaza include the Fountain of Knowledge and its surrounding outdoor spaces that are intentionally planned to enhance student life with shade and seating opportunities.

Research shows that students who spend more time on campus fare better academically and are more likely to graduate. The mantra for the Student Learning Center was “keeping students on campus.” The enlarged windows into the student study spaces on the second floor of the reimaged library overlook the campus and act as a beacon to entice students to share their knowledge and learning experiences.


The College embraced a mission to “Create a Model Sustainable Campus”, as such the project was designed and constructed to meet LEED Silver standards & the 2030 Challenge with 77% REDUCTION in energy use, all done under the $209 per sf project cost.

• Integration with campus stormwater management systems;
• Removal of all turf and replacement with drought-tolerant landscaping, with reclaimed water irrigation.
• Addition of trees to increase site shade by 25%
• new plumbing fixtures reduced water use by 30%
• Building commissioning program provided by campus
• Optimized energy performance through high-performance envelope updates, and new mechanical & electrical systems
• “cool roof” system
• Specification of recycled content and locally produced materials
• Specification of FSC certified wood products;
• Best practices for ventilation rate design, control, and monitoring;
• Specification of Low-emitting materials and finishes;
• Integration of indoor pollutant source control measures;

Design for Resources 

The project saves 1,852 metric tons of embodied carbon emissions by renovating the existing facility rather than building new. The same 'light touch' approach was carried on the landscape renovation, reducing the water capacity of the historic fountain, while addressing ADA challenges on its perimeter with built-in seating. All existing turf was removed from the project, replaced with native drought tolerant planting, including trees that increase site shade by 25%.

Completion Date:     12/31/2019

Square Footage:      67000

Building Use:           community college library

Location:                 Palm Desert

LPA Design Studios

College of the Desert Community College District

structural - Saiful/Bouquet Inc.
electrical - tk1sc

LPA Design Studios

Cris Costea Photography