Ohlone College

Newark Center for Health Sciences and Technology

Newark, California

Complete: 2008
Square Footage: 130,000
LEED Platinum Certified

Awards:
Project Team Award-Platinum, 2009
Building Design + Construction

Environmental Hero, 2008
US Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Awards

Design Award of Merit, 2008
Community College Facility Coalition (CCFC)

Our master plan for the Newark Center was developed with ambitious sustainable objectives and based on the paradigm of advanced technology within an ecologically sustainable setting. The district's goal was to create a healthy and innovative learning environment where students, faculty and staff could explore new teaching and learning methodologies. Our challenge was to design a facility that would enhance learning, anticipate new directions in education, provide flexibility for growth and change and become a model of energy efficiency. The center was the first green community college campus in the U.S. The project employs three alternative energy systems and a long list of other green features including wetlands reclaimed as a learning laboratory, sustainably produced furniture and an enthalpy wheel. Phase One of the Newark Center houses a mixed academic program with a particular focus on health sciences and technology. Classrooms and teaching laboratories support major programs in nursing, physical therapy, computer science, environmental sciences, multi-media, broadcasting and biotechnology. A learning resource center, student services center, bookstore, café, and cafeteria provide community and support space.