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
| Mar 6, 2012
EwingCole completes first design-build project for the USMA
The second phase of the project, which includes the academic buildings and the lacrosse and football fields, was completed in January 2012.
| Mar 6, 2012
Joliet Junior College achieves LEED Gold
With construction managed by Gilbane Building Company, Joliet Junior College’s Facility Services Building combines high-performance technologies with sustainable materials to meet aggressive energy efficiency goals.
| Mar 1, 2012
Cornell shortlists six architectural firms for first building on tech campus
Each of the firms will be asked to assemble a team of consultants and prepare for an interview to discuss their team’s capabilities to successfully design the university’s project.
| Mar 1, 2012
Bomel completes design-build parking complex at U.C. San Diego
The $24-million facility, which fits into a canyon setting on the university’s East Campus, includes 1,200 stalls in two adjoining garages and a soccer field on a top level.
| Feb 28, 2012
Salem State University Library & Learning Commons topped off
When it opens to students in the fall of 2013, the $60 million facility will offer new archival space; circulation and reference areas; collections; reading spaces; study rooms; instruction labs and a Dean’s suite.
| Feb 28, 2012
Griffin Electric completes Medical University of South Carolina project
The 210,000-sf complex is comprised of two buildings, and houses research, teaching and office areas, plus conference spaces for the University.
| Feb 14, 2012
Angelo State University opens doors to new recreation center expansion
Designed by SmithGroup, the JJR_Center for Human Performance offers enhanced fitness options, dynamic gathering space.
| Feb 6, 2012
Siemens gifts Worcester Polytechnic Institute $100,000 for fire protection lab renovation
Siemens support is earmarked for the school’s Fire Protection Engineering Lab, a facility that has been forwarding engineering and other advanced degrees, graduating fire protection engineers since 1979.
| Feb 2, 2012
Fire rated glazing helps historic university preserve its past
When the University embarked on its first major addition since the opening of Hutchins Hall in 1933, preserving the Collegiate Gothic-style architecture was of utmost importance.
| Feb 2, 2012
Next phase of construction begins on Scripps Prebys Cardiovascular Institute
$456 million Institute will be comprehensive heart center for 21st Century.
