 |
|
|||||||
|
||||||||
|
|
Contributed photo
A front view of the college’s new look after upgrades, with “green roofs” and other sustainable parts installed.
College includes key upgrades as part of
10-year 'Masterplan'
The Advocate
Seismic upgrades and conforming to the Americans with Disabilities Act codes are two of the top priorities in the college’s construction plans, according to Deb France, head architect and designer.
These modifications are part of the college’s 10-year construction plan, entitled “Masterplan” and, according to France, student feedback on the plan is “vital.”
“I think the students really need to be a part of this,” France said.
Approximately 15 students gathered in the visual arts theater Wednesday for the masterplan’s first student forum and France’s presentation on the college’s construction plans.
“This is a 10-year plan,” France said. And when it comes to influences, she said to the audience, “You definitely have a part. We have a lot of influencing factors.”
France said the main question being asked is “What do we need to serve the campus better?”
France pointed out that there are 31,000 students at the college and that for this planning process, it is narrowed to the Gresham campus.
Frances said that a majority of the campus was constructed between 1968 and 1972.
“Nothing has happened on this campus since 1975. It’s starting to show,” France said. “They need a little bit of tender loving care.”
France said the construction would be undertaken with sustainability in mind.
This would include taking “advantage of natural daylight,” providing ventilation, and having “green roofs,” with all of these systems working together.
Another goal is to “capture the mountain,” France said. “This is a campus that can have (that view) but it needs to be accessible to everybody,” she said.
Another accessibility issue, according to France, is the “wayfinding,” or how people navigate through the campus.
“Our wayfinding solution is to create a system where people can find their way (from) the outside in,” France said.
This includes giving addresses to the buildings as well as naming each individual sidewalk. “You actually have a pathway to follow to get there,” France said.
France said another issue related to accessibility is signage. “Some of these signs have here for 40 years,” she said.
However, France said the masterplan can “still make use of some of the existing infrastructure” while improving the image of the college.
Of the planned construction, France said, “It’s exciting. It gets me excited. I want to come here.
“We want to create a sense of place, a welcoming sense of place that strengthens who Mt. Hood (Community College) is.”
The Advocate reserves the right to not publish comments based on their appropriateness.