Our team was able to eliminate $10 million from the project without reducing key program and design elements. The 110,000 square foot facility supports programs of Science and Allied Health and includes classrooms featured wet, dry and simulation labs as well as microscopy. Mathematics, Business and Technology classroom are included with a master plan shell space designed to accommodate Genomics teaching and production.

This multi-story building has “Learning Neighborhoods” with locations for student gathering areas grouped around faculty, administrative offices and support spaces to promote collaboration and discussion outside of the classroom.

The team took design elements and incorporated the buildings allied health identity into it. The exterior sun screen panels represent different DNA from around the world. The center stair case was done as a spiral staircase to emulate a Double Helix DNA.

”Working on an active college campus next to a residential neighborhood, eld leaders kept the job site safe, orderly and expressed sensitivity to both campus and neighborhood needs. They also exhibited excellent use of technology, including BIM and other software, which enhanced the communication ow of the project. The Clark/Sullivan team on the Merritt College Barbara Lee Center for Science & Allied Health was passionate about the project from the first pre-construction meeting to the final close-out. The college will long appreciate their attention to detail and commitment to making this a world class facility.” – Gary N. Banks, Facilities Project Manager, PCCD

The design included a student directed learning experience that emphasized the systems, technologies, materials and finishes that celebrate the sustainable goals of the “triple bottom line,” earning LEED Gold Certification. Triple bottom line is an accounting framework gauging social, environmental and financial aspects. These three divisions are also called the three Ps: people, planet and pro t, or the “three pillars of sustainability.”

This project received awards for Outstanding Project and Sustainability Excellence by the Western Council for Construction Consumers. n