Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA

Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Exterior Photography, FacadePalomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Exterior PhotographyPalomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Interior Photography, Stairs, WindowsPalomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Interior Photography, KitchenPalomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - More Images+ 18

  • Client: Palomar Community College District
  • Civil, Structural, Mechanical And Plumbing Engineer: LPA
  • Fire Sprinkler Design: Jensen Hughes
  • Principal In Charge: Steve Flanagan
  • Design Lead: Franco Brown
  • Project Manager: Young Min
  • Design Team: Ozzie Tapia, Brittany Kindig, Sy Melgazo, Winston Bao, Alice Kim, Daniel Wang, Erik Ring, Rich Bienvenu
  • City: San Marcos
  • Country: United States
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Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Exterior Photography
© Costea Photography

Text description provided by the architects. The role of the library has changed in the last 20 years and will continue to evolve for decades to come. Palomar College's Learning Resource Center (LRC) is a modern reinterpretation of a library. In addition to the book stacks, there are computer rooms, tutoring spaces, study rooms, and social areas.

Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Exterior Photography
© Costea Photography
Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Image 20 of 23
Site Plan
Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Costea Photography

The 85,000-square-foot, four-story learning center is the latest addition in a decade-long transformation of the community college’s campus, based on a master plan developed by LPA in 2005. From the beginning of the master plan, the LRC was designed as the heart of the campus, “the jewel in the crown,” connecting the buildings to an arrival plaza with social areas for students.

Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Exterior Photography
© Costea Photography

The building program has three components: library, academic technologies, and tutoring. The client’s request for visual access into the building became the primary organizing element and design feature. In response, the components were “stacked” into four floors overlooking a full-height lobby space, which announces this special resource and destination from the campus quad.

Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Interior Photography, Stairs, Windows
© Costea Photography

Each of the main components of the program occupies a separate floor, with the library functions located on the ground floor, for easy access; and sky level, where elevated views of the surrounding valley become a dramatic backdrop to reading areas and community rooms.

Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Interior Photography, Kitchen
© Costea Photography
Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Image 23 of 23
Massing Diagram
Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Facade, Handrail
© Costea Photography

The library is linked by the Academic Technology Center and Tutoring Center respectively on the middle floors. Throughout the project, which was designed to meet LEED Gold standards, the design focused on methods to conserve energy. The design reduces fossil fuel use by 70 percent, meeting the requirements of the AIA’s 2030 Commitment.

Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA - Exterior Photography, Facade, Windows
© Costea Photography

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Project location

Address:1140 W Mission Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069, United States

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Palomar College Learning Resource Center / LPA" 12 Sep 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/924741/palomar-college-learning-resource-center-lpa> ISSN 0719-8884

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