California State Polytechnic University Sicomoro Hall and Secoya Hall

California State Polytechnic (Cal Poly) University–Pomona is acutely in tune with its prospective students and incoming freshmen, which is why they challenged HMC Architects to design new, modern-living student housing at the doorstep of the 61-year-old campus and transform Cal Poly Pomona into a cosmopolitan community.

California State Polytechnic 

Photo © Lawrence Anderson

Pushing against its commuter-campus reputation and serving to promote the school’s focus on student success and community, the two new eight-story residential towers and dining commons will serve as an exciting center for campus community building. The approximately 340,000-squarefoot project will offer nearly 1,000 first-year student residents smaller communities within larger towers, as well as a variety of communal spaces for different activities.

California State Polytechnic 

Photo © Lawrence Anderson

The collaborative design-build team consisting of HMC and Sundt Construction created a mid-rise design that interlaces shared social spaces, natural light and open-air connections throughout the entire eight floors of each of the two new buildings.

Located along the entry to campus and adjacent to the historic Stables on Kellogg Hill, the buildings form a prominent beacon to students and visitors.

California State Polytechnic 

Photo © Lawrence Anderson

Each floor has two 35-student households, creating a home away from home environment. Ground-floor amenities are connected to outdoor spaces, promoting socialization and wellness. Balconies on the fifth floor connect students living on upper floors to the outdoors. Living rooms and lounges use full-height glass to queue students into the social activities happening inside, while also capturing amazing views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

California State Polytechnic 

Photo © Lawrence Anderson

Student engagement is driven by diverse social space with living rooms, shared bathrooms and large communal stairway lounges. Gender and social equity influenced how community and bathroom spaces were designed — such as using fullheight bathroom partitions and equitable access to amenities. Bedrooms feature abundant natural light. Shared social spaces create an intimate environment where students can interact.

California State Polytechnic 

Photo © Lawrence Anderson

Students will enjoy meals in a new 650-seat dining commons located at the campus entrance and gateway to the housing community.

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2020 issue of Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • textured paper collage shows a school building on fire as a fire truck sprays water into the flames

    Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

    We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

  • University of Southern Mississippi Starts Construction on Oyster Hatchery

    The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) recently announced that construction has begun on a new oyster hatchery at its Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC) Cedar Point campus in Ocean Springs, Miss., according to a news release.

  • Midland ISD Starts Construction on Two New High Schools

    The Midland Independent School District recently announced that it will break ground on two new high schools in Midland, Texas, according to a news release. The district is partnering with Pfluger Architects, Lee Lewis Construction, and Satterfield & Pontikes to create a total of over 1.5 million square feet for 8,400 students in grades 9–12.