In an attempt to eliminate its reputation as a commuter school, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) has recently completed construction of two new eight-story residential towers and a dining commons.
The 340,000-sf project offers first-year student residents smaller communities within larger towers, with each floor providing two 35-student households with places to congregate, socialize, and study. Bedrooms feature natural light and hallways end in views toward the campus and the San Gabriel Mountains. The two buildings interlace shared social spaces, natural light, and open air connections throughout the eight floors.
A diversity of connections between the indoors and the outdoors is a defining feature. Ground-floor amenities are connected to outdoor spaces while balconies on the fifth floor connect students livening on upper floors to the outdoors. Living rooms and lounges use full-height glass to visually connect students outside with what is happening inside.
See Also: Phase one of The Orbit masterplan detailed for Innisfil, Ontario
Meanwhile, the new 650-seat dining commons, located at the campus entrance and gateway to the housing community, features warm materials, residential lighting, and large communal tables. Private eating areas and conference rooms are also included.
The first students moved into the new buildings on January 17, staying for two months before students were all sent home due to COVID-19.
The collaborative design-build team consisted of HMC Architects (executive architect and housing design architect), EYRC Architects (dining commons architect), and Sundt Construction.
Related Stories
Building Team | May 20, 2022
Caltech breaks ground on a new center to study climate and sustainability
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) recently broke ground on its Resnick Sustainability Resource Center.
Laboratories | May 20, 2022
Brutalist former Berkeley Art Museum transformed into modern life science lab
After extensive renovation and an addition, the former Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive at the University of California, Berkeley campus reopened in May 2022 as a modern life science lab building.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | May 19, 2022
Northern Arizona University opens a new training center for its student athletes
In Flagstaff, Ariz. Northern Arizona University (NAU) has opened its new Student-Athlete High Performance Center.
University Buildings | May 16, 2022
Yale’s newly renovated Schwarzman Center enriches student campus social life
Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) recently unveiled the design of their restoration of the Schwarzman Center at Yale University, which includes dining spaces, a bar, and a food shop.
School Construction | May 11, 2022
New Digital Learning Commons at Rutgers supports doctoral programs in over 16 disciplines
The new Digital Learning Commons at the Rutgers University Archibald S. Alexander Library provides students in over 16 courses of study and four professional schools with spacious collaborative and study space.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 10, 2022
Designing smarter places of learning
This course explains the how structural steel building systems are suited to construction of education facilities.
Performing Arts Centers | May 10, 2022
A historic performance space is transformed to reinforce a campus’ Arts District
Connecticut College’s Athey Center for Performance and Research at Palmer Auditorium balances the old and new.
University Buildings | May 9, 2022
An athletic center accentuates a college’s transformation
Modern design and a student health center distinguish the new addition at The University of Saint Joseph in Connecticut.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 3, 2022
For glass openings, how big is too big?
Advances in glazing materials and glass building systems offer a seemingly unlimited horizon for not only glass performance, but also for the size and extent of these light, transparent forms. Both for enclosures and for indoor environments, novel products and assemblies allow for more glass and less opaque structure—often in places that previously limited their use.
Education Facilities | Apr 28, 2022
ProConnect Education (K-12 to University) comes to Scottsdale, AZ, Dec 4-6
ProConnect Education 2022 will attract building product specifiers and manufacturers to the Andaz Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., in December.
