This new, $8-million academic building for Motlow State Community College (MSCC) houses classrooms, faculty offices, and three science labs.

The building includes six standard classrooms, two distance learning (ITV) classrooms, three computer labs, teaching labs and support spaces, and a clinical nursing training lab. In addition to the classrooms, there are 20 faculty offices, two adjunct faculty offices, two student lounges, and a student orientation/consultation area.

MSCC added 11-and-a-half acres of property to their existing 14-acre campus. With the additional land, TMP developed a master plan that transformed the campus into a pedestrian-friendly, park-like setting. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic were segregated through a landscape buffer between the buildings, parking lots, and drives. A central “campus green” was created to emulate a traditional college campus environment.

Key aspects of the design include:

• A central 2-and-a-half-story lobby and monumental stair serve as the focal point and organizing element. Immediately adjacent to the lobby are the Student Success Center and student lounge.
• An on-site geothermal heating and cooling system reduces operational costs compared with traditional rooftop mechanical units. Architecturally, this strategy reduced the number of mechanical chases, leading to a smaller footprint and eliminating unsightly clutter on the roof.
• Glass-enclosed stairwells located at each end of the main corridor provide natural light and a visibly secure environment.

Client

Motlow State Community College/Tennessee Board of Regents

Location

Smyrna, TN

Square Feet

35,000