The replacement of the Caltech student center maximized collaboration and trust through its Integrated Project Delivery method - a first for the campus. The project sought to provide an interior and exterior environment that facilitates collaboration for all members of the Caltech community and engage and connect the interior functions of the building with all four exterior sides in a way that activates campus life. The design incorporates elements, materials, and systems that minimizes total cost of ownership.
The new student center houses a new indoor/outdoor student lounge, musical rehearsal hall, multi-purpose room, multiple student clubs and a revamped café that transformed an underused portion of the campus into a social hub for students and faculty. While respecting the historically significant context of the campus and the original design of the center, the new center maximizes open gathering spaces, and minimizes impact on outdoor spaces.