The Building 13 Multiple Program Modernization project consisted of the voluntary seismic strengthening and remodel of a 1960’s classroom building at Cañada College. Building 13 comprises approximately 33% of all classroom facilities on the campus, and is a three-story, cast-in-place concrete building that houses 22 classrooms and 27 faculty offices for the interior design, humanities and computer science departments.
Studio W’s modernization included a complete code, health and safety upgrade of the building’s seismic capacity, HVAC, electrical, low voltage and fire alarm systems, along with the addition of fire suppression and a larger capacity elevator. Each classroom and office space was given new finishes, technology and furnishings, including movable walls for further collaboration. Creatively, the third story balconies, serving as single-loaded circulation spaces, were converted to a double-loaded interior circulation space, creating larger classrooms and additional office and work room spaces. In order to remain within the voluntary seismic program, efforts were made to value the building’s replacement costs, such that the modernization remained within one-half of the replacement value. Efforts to stay in keeping with the FPP were utilized to gain much-needed State funding.
