The new 85,000 square feet, science and technology facility was designed by SmithGroup, a US-based architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning firm.

The facility was the location of a recent program held by former U.S. President Bill Clinton and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom as they jointly spoke about the importance of education and its impact on future green jobs.

The LACC Science and Technology building is expected to qualify for the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver rating and is part of the LACCD Builds Green program.

The building’s healthy skin exterior includes a terra cotta rain screen system and a SWISSPEARL panel system. Each was chosen by the SmithGroup design team for their similar qualities, colors, and dimensions of the existing brick and concrete campus buildings. These innovations will result in energy savings for LACC, help inhibit vandalism, and promote a healthy, mold-free environment.

Additionally, roof-mounted solar panels will supply 10% of the building’s energy needs. Advanced heating, ventilation, air condition system increases efficiency and air quality, while reducing energy use and maintenance costs of the building. Water efficient exterior landscaping includes a palette of native and drought tolerant plants combined with low-flow drip irrigation.

The new building, which began construction in 2007, will house numerous departments including, nursing, dental technology, chemistry, geology, life science, biology and microbiology. SmithGroup also designed a special area on the roof for observatories by LACC’s astronomy department.

Located adjacent to a major subway station and main thoroughfare in Los Angeles, the new 85,000 square feet building acts as a new gateway to the campus by reshaping and redesigning the entrance to the college. A two-story lobby greets the public exiting from the subway station onto the campus and is detailed with terra cotta, a metal and glass.

Dr. Jamillah Moore, LACC President said, City College has been here for nearly 80 years and served as a training ground for GIs after World War II. Our campus was an educational innovator for the last half of the 20th century.

The $38 million facility, which was completed in conjunction with general contractor Sinanian Development Corporation headquartered in Tarzana, California and college project manager Harris Associates, headquartered in Concord, Calif., is part of Los Angeles Community College District’s (LACCD) $2.2 billion construction and modernization program at its nine college campuses. SmithGroup also completed the Technology Building at Los Angeles Harbor College, another LACCD project.

SmithGroup ranks as the 7th largest architecture and engineering firm in the U.S. and employs 800. The firm is composed of client industry-focused practices serving the higher education, healthcare, workplace, and science and technology markets. With 346 LEED Accredited Professionals and 42 LEED-certified projects, SmithGroup is a national leader in sustainable, environmentally intelligent design.