Arizona State University

Media & Immersive eXperience Center

Maricopa Community College District

Phoenix College Physical Sciences Building

In 2016, Maricopa Community College District found that a beloved 1969 campus landmark was in need of a complete interior renovation. Known as the “C Building Project”, the renovation transformed the outdated, inward-facing stack of classrooms into a contemporary learning lab for chemistry, physical sciences, and engineering. Nearly 50 years after the building’s original construction, a new design respects and honors the structure of the past, yet embraces the evolution of our contemporary social & educational needs.

Overview

The Phoenix College Campus is dotted with mid-century classics designed by renowned architect, Ralph Haver. In 1969, Haver’s Physical Science Building’s cast-in-place concrete and brick facade adapted to the context of the Southwest, echoed the quiet sensibilities of current trends and served a small student body near the heart of Phoenix, Arizona.

In 2016, the building clung to its role as a central hub for the campus and as a local landmark on a prominent corner in a historic residential district, but was desperately in need of upgrades. A full interior renovation was set out with the goal of bringing this mid-century classic into the 21st Century - in both form and function. The “C Building Project” transformed the outdated, socially insular layout of classrooms into contemporary learning labs for chemistry, physical sciences, and engineering. The new design aligns program elements for maximum vertical efficiency with axial views for intuitive wayfinding and cross disciplinary learning. The integration of instructional and experiential environments led to a complex yet balanced renovation.
Design Strategy

The new plan ties into the established structure of the building while enveloping previously exterior & underutilized walkways into the program. On all three levels, additional square footage was gained beyond classrooms for galleries, study areas, break out spaces, faculty offices, and generous circulation. Original architectural details such as the classic waffle-pattern ceiling grid, original stair footings, and fluted detailed columns are revealed and celebrated throughout.

A new central lobby serves the entire campus, opening directly to large outdoor green spaces and a sculpture garden. Varied textures and finishes call back to mid-century roots, complete with a sunken "conversation pit" that serves as an informal gathering and event space.
Arts Integration

The 'Canyon Wall' — an illustrated section cut of the Grand Canyon Strata designed in collaboration with college faculty — scales the height of the building and flanks the central circulation stair. Students and faculty now 'climb' the building alongside the earth's layers, with a subtle nod to the district mascot in the constellation of stars.
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Project Owner
Maricopa Community College Distrcit
Cost
$12.4m
Size
58,000 square feet
Completion
August 2018
Landscape Architecture
Floor Associates
Construction Manager at Risk
Ryan Companies
Civil Engineer
Dibble Engineering
Structural Engineering
Rudow + Berry
M & P Engineering
Innovative Construction & Design Solutions
Electrical Engineer
Woodward Engineering
Photography
Matt Winquist
National Organization for Minority Architects
Phil Freelon Design Excellence Award 2019