Awards

The Paul A. Elsner Library and High Technology Complex and the Life Science Building moved Mesa Community College into 21st century educational methods and technology. Both facilities address the shifting paradigm in education, with increasing emphasis placed on the role of technology and flexibility of space to facilitate group learning.

The 94,000 SF Technology Complex’s three stories of flexible space combine traditional library functions with computer and multimedia commons, classrooms, video communications network studios, administrative offices and student services. The building is accentuated with turquoise colored heat-resistant glass, metallic trim and sun shading—all elements sensitive to the building’s desert locale. A skylight brings natural light to the middle of the building, while the third floor includes two large outdoor reading decks to expand usable library space while taking advantage of the climate.

The 33,000 SF Life Science Building also addresses the trends towards technology and collaborative learning. The floor plans combine an expanded number of technology-equipped, flexible laboratories, preparation rooms and classrooms, for ease in re-configuration. Glasswalled collaborative study rooms face an open study garden, enabling faculty and students to freely interact and extending the teaching and learning experience.