Jackson Community College Information & Technology Center Jackson, Michigan New Construction Project Project of Distinction SHW Group 2008 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

Jackson Community College Information & Technology Center

Information Commons The William Atkinson Hall Information and Technology Center (ITC) is the foundation for a new renaissance at the Jackson Community College’s (JCC) campus, and is an innovative approach to multiple academic programs resulting in a new hybrid building. This building merges the library, information commons, student lounge, flexible classrooms and multiple staff offices into a single structure. The building is the academic center for the College, as well as, provides state-of-the-art services to the surrounding community.

Information Commons The designers considered how different spaces should act, rather than how they should look and as such, created an open concept of informational and academic space, generating a unique plan and creating multiple zones for individual, small group and team- based learning. The classrooms or ‘learning labs’ provide complete flexibility through integration of data/media, power, lighting and furniture systems; thus, allowing the environment to evolve as instruction, technology and students change. The open structure with perimeter security allows complete access and movement of all types of media and information throughout the learning environment.

Learning Studio Students have responded positively to the new facilities. The computer lab is frequently full, with students stopping in between classes to work. Breakout study rooms are so popular they now have to be reserved. Learning studios allow for flexible learning environments that keep students engaged, a change from the typical chairs-facing-front lecture format, supporting a variety of pedagogical deliveries, including lecture, seminar, team and project work.

Group Study Collaboration and teamwork, skills necessary to any segment of today’s workforce, are enhanced through the building’s design with multiple breakout rooms and flexible learning studios. Ultimately, as with any academic building on the campus, the College’s goal was to help students learn, and JCC feels the ITC is meeting that end.

South Elevation The design successfully creates a strong individual presence for the ITC without disrupting the fabric of the campus. Playing off of the courtyards and site lines of existing buildings, the structure creates a continuous hem that begins as a retaining wall in the entry court and folds up to a canopy wrapping around the building, becoming the roof of the two- story information commons, extending into an outdoor garden court.

North Elevation The building is a strong new symbol for the College. The material selection has taken cues from many of the original buildings. These materials - brick, glass and wood panels - have been expressed in a contemporary and refreshing manner resulting in a handsome addition to the College community.

Flexible Learning Studios Today, more than ever, changes in economics, global competitiveness, technologies, and demographics, have prompted multiple changes in the workplace, as well as employer expectations of worker skills. To keep pace with these changes and the rapid growth of information technology occupations, JCC has determined that the creation of a modestly-sized new building was necessary.

The new multipurpose informational & instructional building provides for the needs of 21 st century learners, researchers and community members alike. Conceptually, the structure provides for the relocation and expansion of the existing College library, and the relocation and expansion of all information technology programs, and provides space for new instructional program development. The building is “wireless,” and includes multiple “smart” and multimedia classrooms, training areas, a computer core, and a large, open-access computer lab. The classrooms are designed to create collaborative learning opportunities for students. The building is flexible in layout so as to allow for ever-changing technologies and student needs.

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Data Submitting Firm :SHW Group Project RoleArchitect / Engineer Project ContactJeff Sharpe, AIA TitlePrincipal Designer Address2338 Coolidge City, State or Province, CountryBerkley, MI Phone Joint Partner Firm: Project Role Project Contact Title Address City, State or Province, Country Phone Other Firm: Project Role Project Contact Title Address City, State or Province, Country Phone Construction Firm: Project Role Project Contact Title Address City, State or Province, Country Phone

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Details Project Name Jackson Community College Information & Technology Center City Jackson State Michigan District Name Supt/President Dr. Daniel J. Phelan, President Occupancy Date August 2007 Grades Housed Post-secondary Capacity(Students) Site Size (acres) Gross Area (sq. ft.) 53,000 sq. ft. Per Occupant(pupil) gross/net please indicate Design and Build? Yes If yes, Total Cost: $16,500,000 Includes: If no, Site Development: Building Construction: Fixed Equipment: Other: Total: $16,500,000

Collaboratorium The ‘Collaboratorium’, which overlooks the two-story information commons, is the centerpiece of the building. This featured room is a fully interactive classroom and conferencing space with uniquely designed furniture, large format monitors, video capture with broadcast capability and data capture/retrieval.

Collaboratorium This space is central to experimentation and innovation to support the College’s mission of assisting learners in identifying and reaching their educational goals.