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.
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