Harvey Mudd College, Scott A. McGregor Computer Science Center – Design for Integration

2023 DESIGN AWARD RECIPIENT

Harvey Mudd College, Scott A. McGregor Computer Science Center – Design for Integration

A modern jewel within an Edward Durrell Stone designed campus, the Scott A. McGregor Computer Science Center and Makerspace meets two pressing needs: new space for the rapidly expanding computer science program and a vibrant nexus for project-based learning. The building concept utilizes strategies that invigorate interdisciplinary collaboration – a key component of HMC’s mission. As a gateway building, the McGregor Center is the first campus building to create a front door to the campus, welcoming the surrounding community. Influenced by the natural formation of a canyon, the sustainably focused building welcomes the community onto campus, providing a pedestrian gateway from the street to the campus’s main spine, the Libra deck.

This path draws individuals through the canyon-like space, while transparency into the makerspace and computer science spaces offers a glimpse of the activities inside. Like a weathered canyon, the building shifts and twists at each level, eliminating the presence of a massive building. A gradient of transparency through variations on a similar glass language and undulating folded aluminum panels on each level further enhance the texture and human scale of the building. The warm-toned aluminum panels reflect the sun differently throughout the day, appearing as though the single-color material is a compilation of hues. This dynamic façade is a metaphor for the educational growth and transformation of the students within the building.

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The clear and dynamic massing strategy produces a figural building that connects and engages in unexpected ways with the existing disposition of the campus. It is so hard to make a “big box” interesting, but they made the ground plane view very interesting.

Noteworthy performance features include:

1. Zero Net Energy Design

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Measure 1: Design for Integration

This project implemented an analysis-based sustainable design process. We performed parametric studies of window wall ratio, insulation levels, shading and natural ventilation. Our energy model showed the most significant impact on energy savings came from utilizing natural ventilation, informing the decision to provide operable windows integrated with HVAC switches in all offices. The mechanical system is designed with full air-side economizers to take benefit of free cooling via outdoor air when outdoor temperatures are cool.

The building is incredibly energy-efficient. The predicted energy use (pEUI) for the building is 36, which reflects a 73% energy use reduction from the baseline EUI for this building type. Our design for the building meets the AIA’s 2030 Challenge even before taking onsite renewables into account. The project meets Zero Net Energy, with the 720 kW Onsite PV System, which will meet the energy needs of several buildings on the campus.

Measure 2: Design for Equitable Communities

A core belief guiding the project is that all students have the just and fair opportunity to voice their desires and needs, and ultimately experience spaces that are safe, inclusive, culturally relevant, and welcoming. This was important to HMC, as STEM education has traditionally been male-dominated and intimidating to newcomers. With these principles in mind, the makerspace was designed as one large approachable space; it’s “zoned” layout creating an experience that is welcoming to all students. These opportunities extend past HMC and the Computer Science department, showing the Claremont community at large that STEM belongs to everyone.

Measure 3: Design for Ecosystems

Our design proves the concept that native flora supports native fauna. Local groundwater is recharged using water cleaned through bioswales, mimicking the riparian “Arroyo” habitat found in Southern California. Use of adaptive plant materials places the ecosystem within the regional context of a unique planting biome, of which there are only seven in the world, while reducing costs both economically and ecologically.
The project links to native planting in the area, providing an ecological corridor from campus into the surrounding landscape and connecting to the adjacent Botanic Garden and into native foothills of the San Gabriel Mountain Range.

Measure 4: Design for Water

In addition to low-flow plumbing fixtures that reduce water consumption within the building, the design team focused on site sustainability. An integrated system of bioswales infiltrate on-site stormwater; a concept of a larger Arroyo which is intended to mimic the native California landscape. The Arroyo was planted with carefully selected native and adapted species to allow for periods of inundation and periods of drought. Plant material used include native shrubs, perennials, and grasses that are successful in the region

Measure 5: Design for Economy

With an unreliable local power grid, this drove the need for self-reliance, energy efficiency, upgraded technology, and renewable energy sources. The college decided to invest in a PV array installation for ease of maintenance. This project is carbon neutral due to this 720-kW onsite PV system, and meets the energy needs of several buildings on the campus.

The Computer Science department needs required a robust server system. A centralized server room within the building accommodates the needs of Computer Science and surrounding buildings. The server room also provides hands-on educational space for students to learn about servers.

Measure 6: Design for Energy

The building is highly energy-efficient. The predicted energy use (pEUI) for the building is 36 kBTU/sf, a 73% energy use reduction from the baseline EUI. Indoor/outdoor connectivity enhances sustainability goals, delivering daylighting and natural ventilation passive strategies that reduce energy consumption.

Parametric studies of window wall ratio, insulation levels, shading and natural ventilation showed that utilizing natural ventilation had the biggest impact, informing the decision to provide operable windows integrated with HVAC switches.

This project is Net Zero Energy and operationally carbon neutral via a 720 kW Onsite PV System, meeting the energy needs of several buildings on campus

Measure 7: Design for Well-Being

The McGregor Center exemplifies care for the “whole person” as a wellness initiative. Key goals focused on creating an inclusive and equitable environment. The team emphasized the approachability of the educational spaces, with collaborative nooks of varying size and type to promote engagement and collaboration.

The project showcases integrated solutions addressing health, wellness, inclusivity, and connection with nature. Three feature stairs connect the building to the community and campus at all three levels. The building promotes walkability, engages with outdoor courts and terraces from every side, and is filled with daylight, views, and public spaces facing into the central courtyard.

Measure 8: Design for Resources

The building’s steel structure has a high recycled content and high recyclability at end of useful life. Exterior opaque walls are clad in formed aluminum rainscreen, metal soffits, and glass curtainwalls for a high-performance, durable, and low-maintenance exterior envelope. The project meets LEED Gold Equivalency and diverted 95% of the construction waste from landfill. Support of the local economy and creative solutions for supporting craftsmanship included the use of a local metal fabricator.

Harmful products, such as vinyl, were avoided, and the design team submitted rigorous submittal reviews during construction to assure these standards were met.

Measure 9: Design for Change

Because college campuses are ever evolving, it was critical that our design addressed this inevitable evolution. A steel moment frame system was utilized to ensure large unencumbered open spaces within the facility for future modifications.

Specialized, yet versatile spaces allow for transformation into other campus space types. The four computer labs are arranged for easy transformation into active learning classrooms or teaching labs, the highly specialized clinic spaces are sized to HMC standard faculty office sizes, the variety of support labs can be reconfigured or utilized for other needs, and the large open makerspace has limitless potential for future use.

Measure 10: Design for Discovery

Because college campuses are ever evolving, it was critical that our design addressed this inevitable evolution. A steel moment frame system was utilized to ensure large unencumbered open spaces within the facility for future modifications.

Specialized, yet versatile spaces allow for transformation into other campus space types. The four computer labs are arranged for easy transformation into active learning classrooms or teaching labs, the highly specialized clinic spaces are sized to HMC standard faculty office sizes, the variety of support labs can be reconfigured or utilized for other needs, and the large open makerspace has limitless potential for future use.