HMC Architects’ Design Principal Brett Leavitt is leading a virtual tour of the Golden West College (GWC) Math and Science Building at the 2021 Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Southern California Virtual Showcase on January 20. Leavitt will discuss the design inspiration behind the project — which recently won A4LE’s Higher Education Honor Award — as well as its impact on GWC students.

Fueled by discovery and powered by exploratory learning, the new Math and Science Building at Golden West College embodies the college’s vision to welcome, inspire, empower, and transform its students. Based on the principles of the scientific method, the central design concept focuses on creating spaces that encourage exploration through observation and experimentation. Every space is designed so that students passing through can see classmates experimenting, studying, or engaging in a class. The building integrates all STEM disciplines cohesively, encourages innovation, and inspires its students to reach new levels of success.

HMC is engaged in an ongoing investigative research effort to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 and develop solutions for a safe return to higher education schools. HMC is committed to sharing all of its research findings with the industry in a series of white papers that focus on five main areas of Technology, Adaptability and Flexibility, Regulatory/Budgetary/Institutional Impacts, Space Needs/Reduction and Restructuring, and Impact to Wellness/Mental Health as they relate to the higher education markets.

A4LE is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the places where children learn. This year’s event will be held virtually. To learn more and to register for the event, visit the A4LE website.