Architect: Little
Project Location: Graham, NC
Project Completion Date: October, 2017
Short Description: The new 55,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Advanced Applied Technology Center at Alamance Community College showcases technical learning and training, maximizing the learning experience and preparing students for careers in highly skilled fields. The building is configured to allow visibility into each lab to showcase technology and to attract new students. The technology labs are designed for ultimate flexibility and connection to the shared classrooms. Each technology lab is column free by means of long-span cellular beams that span between 60’-0” to 80’-0” and play a prominent role in the building’s architectural identity, relating back to each of the five programs housed inside.
Architect’s Statement: The new 55,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Advanced Applied Technology Center at Alamance Community College will provide a much-needed new home with adequate space and specialized equipment for the College’s growing legacy programs in Computer-Integrated Machining Technology; Welding Technology; Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology and Automotive Systems Technology with the addition of a new program, Mechatronics Engineering Technology. The Advanced Applied Technology Center will showcase technical learning and training, maximizing the learning experience and prepare students for careers in highly skilled fields. The building is situated on campus, front and center making it highly visible and attractive to future students. The building layout is designed to be compact in nature with the five technology labs surrounding the entry commons and student commons. The central commons will be used to display student projects, provide flexible space for interdisciplinary projects and hold career fairs so students can connect with potential employers. The building is configured to allow visibility into each lab to showcase technology and to attract new students. The technology labs are designed for ultimate flexibility and connection to the shared classrooms. Each technology lab is column free by means of long-span cellular beams that span between 60’-0” to 80’-0” and play a prominent role in the building’s architectural identity, relating back to each of the programs. The beams are painted international orange (aerospace) to highlight the structural system and provide continuity thought out the building. The exterior is layered with solid layer at the base to respond to program and clear, transparent layer above to maximize daylighting for each of the technology labs, contrasting the typical nature of these teaching spaces.
Type of Construction: IIB