PURPOSE

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) is setting out to provide a building that serves as a community-based microenterprise center for Northern Nevada, connecting talent, skill and creativity with the training needed to launch a successful business. Budding entrepreneurs who have an idea or a marketable skill will have access to expertise, simulations, and professionals that will help them develop the confidence to build something amazing. TMCC’s partnership with the community will provide students access to technical assistance, funding, and support.

SITE

The building is to be located on TMCC’s Dandini main campus at the south end of the east parking area. Situated along Raggio Parkway with 270-degree views from the Sierra Mountain range to our valley’s easterly foothills, this site offers a remarkable panorama of the entire valley. The campus is expanding to the east and this building will serve to activate this area of the campus for students as well as the community.

AN INTERACTIVE SPIRIT

The idea of bringing students and the community together for a truly interactive experience inspired this design to emphasize extensions and connections. The building will be made up of four basic components; Culinary Arts, Theatre, Hospitality/Tourism, and a collaborative space referred to as Action Link. These building components are assembled east-west along the contours of the terrain; this sets up the building to optimize stunning views of the valley and Sierras. The concept of connections is apparent throughout the design in order to activate the interior experience and encourage interaction and collaboration to exist freely between spaces. Visual and physical connections are made with open, airy space planning through the use of large spans of interior and exterior glass, and various gathering spaces for collaboration, experimentation, and learning. The south sloping site for this large building offers the opportunity to carve space into the site on the lower level to make a daylit courtyard. This allows more natural daylight to enter the building on both levels along the length of the building. The composition of space also honors the existing terrain rather than extensively altering the grade. The building cantilevers over the natural undulation features or marries the contours with amenities such as an amphitheater or terraces so that both indoor and outdoor spaces enrich the educational experience with a design that “fits into” the landscape.

The extended canopy provides a collegiate presence, upon arrival, upon entry, and upon the experience of the Action Link space, where most of the interactive events and learning will take place. From robotic exhibits to community events and student presentations, this space will be highly activated.

MATERIALS

The design prioritizes the use of glass, metal panels, and concrete. TMCC requested a timeless contemporary identity for the building and an image that would be inviting and set a precedent for the future designs of the east campus buildings as they develop. Since community partners are a key component to the premise of this building, the design makes use of glass to provide a welcoming impression and connections to views.