Learning Resource Center – Net Zero Energy Design

SOLUTION Through a partnership between WFC and JCJ Architecture, the team collaborated to design the new Grant Campus Learning Resource Center (LRC). With one of the highest growth rates of the three SCCC Campuses, the Grant Campus attracts a diverse student population from varied backgrounds and demographics. The Western Campus opened in 1974 occupying former Pilgrim State Hospital buildings. The bulk of the buildings currently occupying the 200 plus acre site were constructed over a period of time utilizing varying typologies, scale, materials and site placement methodologies, leaving little connection from one building to another. The current Campus lacks continuity both in terms of architectural cohesiveness and in the arrangement and orientation of the buildings. To overcome these significant challenges, there is clear and present need to develop a strong central focus and sense of place which will draw students and faculty alike. The design and placement of the Grant Learning Resource Center was instrumental in the design process to achieve a coherent design language, while knitting together the fabric of the campus and its occupants. The new Grant Campus Learning Resource Center (LRC) is designed to embody and support the common mission of the College and its Library: “To establish an environment where students and faculty can come together to teach, learn and discover the knowledge and skills necessary to transform lives, communities and societies”. In placing its students on this path to transform lives, build communities and improve society, Suffolk Community College has a unique opportunity to teach by example through the creation of a pioneering Sustainable Learning Environment. The new LRC will be the first Net Zero-energy building of its kind on Long Island.The Grant Campus LRC will enable SCCC to impart a powerful message on its students: the time to lead is now.