AZ western community building + science agriculture center by gould evans

the academic complex creates a bold identity for the college and reflects its commitment to students and the local community.

Gould Evans edited by justin paul villanueva December 9, 2014 2 min

AZ western community building + science agriculture center by gould evans
photo © winquist photography
all images courtesy of gould evans

at arizona western college, gould evans has provided a new gateway to the campus by marking multiple points of inflection (or deviations from the norm): integration of science and community, a boost to student success initiatives, and closed loop sustainable goals.

gould evans arizona western college community building and science agriculture center
view across the landscape
photo © winquist photography

physically and operationally, the science center and site were designed to celebrate the climate and agriculture of yuma. the added 5-megawatt solar array capitalizes on its 350 days of sun a year and takes the facility ‘off grid’. the monitoring of the system goes beyond energy production and provides learning opportunities for the green technology classes. energy meters let students track production versus consumption. the cafeteria waste is processed as part of the instruction while compost is used on the educational fields and sold to local farmers.

gould evans arizona western college community building and science agriculture center
the parking lot
photo © winquist photography

the community building connects students and faculty, by overlapping paths and creating visual connections between spaces (both inside and outside). the front door is flanked with student services, a one-stop-shop, and invites the surrounding society inside as a setting for conferences and cultural events. this is accompanied by a distinctive exterior composed of panels that reflect the rich textures of the desert, of the intense blue sky, and the students who pass by.

gould evans arizona western college community building and science agriculture center
the distinctive exterior wall panels of both buildings reflect the rich textures of the desert, the intense blue sky, and the students who pass by
photo © winquist photography

gould evans arizona western college community building and science agriculture center
visual connections are between exterior and interior spaces
photo © winquist photography

gould evans arizona western college community building and science agriculture center
both the site and the building are physically and operationally designed to celebrate the yuma climate
photo © winquist photography

gould evans arizona western college community building and science agriculture center
the science and agriculture center merges interdisciplinary instruction with sustainable and community programs
photo © winquist photography

gould evans arizona western college community building and science agriculture center
the building is designed to celebrate the agriculture of yuma
photo © winquist photography

gould evans arizona western college community building and science agriculture center
elevation
photo © winquist photography

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