MVE Institutional designed the Downtown Educational Complex in Oakland, Calif., to serve as an educational facility, community center, and grid-neutral green building. The 123,000-sf complex, now under construction on a 5.5-acre site in the city’s Lake Merritt neighborhood, will be built in two phases, the first expected to be completed in spring 2012 and the second in fall 2014. The finished project will house a child development center for 168 students, the 360-student La Escuelita K-5 elementary school, and the 180-student MetWest High School. Each school will have its own entry but all will share a great room (with a cafeteria, gymnasium, and multipurpose auditorium), playing field, and community garden. The surrounding community will have access to a health clinic and a media center inside the complex. A photovoltaic array will be installed on the cool roof. Passive cooling towers, rainwater collection, operable windows, Energy Star appliances, and a building management system round out the green features.
Related Stories
Architects | May 8, 2018
WeWork names BIG’s Ingels as its Chief Architect
He’ll be plenty busy working with a company that has aggressive growth ambitions.
Architects | May 8, 2018
Illinois Office of Tourism unveils new Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
The trail stretches from Rockford to Springfield.
Architects | May 3, 2018
Designing innovative solutions for chronic homelessness
What’s stopping us from creating more Permanent Supportive Housing?
Architects | Apr 27, 2018
4 reasons to pursue speaking engagements
We found speaking engagements were among the top ten marketing techniques that AEC firms employ.
Office Buildings | Apr 19, 2018
From fitness to bowling alleys: How commercial office buildings are differentiating themselves through amenities
Here are five ways that amenities can help developers and building owners attract and secure tenants by appealing to their inhabitants.
Architects | Apr 19, 2018
Perkins Eastman and Dougherty announce intent to merge
Combined practice will create expanded capabilities for K-12, higher education projects in California.
Architects | Apr 17, 2018
Cannon Design expects merger with gkkworks will help streamline its deliveries
The combined firm reinforces its presence in the western U.S.
Architects | Apr 16, 2018
Is the AEC industry ready to shake off its retrograde image?
Technology has been and always will be perceived as a source for wonder and worry.
Architects | Apr 10, 2018
HOK names a physician as its new Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Andrew Ibrahim will collaborate with the firm’s medical planning and design teams.
Architects | Apr 5, 2018
AIA grants $100,000 to four Upjohn Research Initiative projects
The purpose of the grant is to provide base funds for applied research projects that will advance the design profession’s knowledge and practice.