SCUP Excellence in Planning for an Established Campus, Honor Award

Mission College Facilities and Educational Master Plan, at Mission College, West Valley-Mission Community College District, Santa Clara, CA and Lionakis, Sacramento, CA

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Mission College’s 30-year icon, the Main Building, needed to be demolished and replaced due to seismic deficiencies so the college had to make a difficult economic and emotional decision. The result was a new educational and facilities master plan honoring the traditions and values of the college and creating a renewed sense of educational mission and community. 

An integrated planning process involved facilities and district consultants, departmental user groups, a planning committee and core group that provided the final direction and decision-making. The master plan preserves interdisciplinary focus, intimacy and innovation that have characterized Mission College from its inception. Creation and approval of the “big idea” became the foundation of the master plan. 

An Interdisciplinary Plaza will replace the Main Building and the campus will have two major axes: a formal north-south Academic Street, connecting northern student parking through campus and community beyond; and the “Green Weave,” an east-west organic pathway at the redesigned eastern campus entrance, providing a view corridor into the Interdisciplinary Plaza. It continues to the athletic amenities at the western edge of campus. 

A sequencing plan provides continuity throughout the 20-year process providing for future growth and replacement facilities, while mitigating land impacts. The master plan guidelines incorporate high levels of technology and sustainability. 

The master plan advocates sustainable construction and design practices to improve the physical and learning environment. LEED Silver is the minimum design goal for every project.

Demolition and replacement of the Main Building was the main challenge and the new plaza helped minimize the void left from losing the icon and the significance it held. 

The plan emphasizes that new construction should architecturally complement existing facilities and exterior materials already on campus. Cutting edge building technology and materials should also reflect the college’s location in Silicon Valley. 

Ease of mobility and access to buildings and services were priorities along with providing clear, understandable building and site directional signage. 

Sustainability principles of the master plan encompass site planning, landscape goals, building orientation and construction. Design guidelines address sustainable practices for passive/active solar design, water management, construction practices, material efficiency and energy efficiency. 

The jury said, “ . . . sequencing was well thought out . . .very big idea . . . great aspirations . . .”

Project Team: Mission College, West Valley-Mission Community College District, and Lionakis, with EDAW/AECOM