KRESA Career Connect Campus
Kalamazoo, Michigan
The KRESA Career Connect Campus creates an uplifting, healthy learning environment that supports career and technical education for students across the region. The two story facility brings together programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Agriculture, Animal Sciences, Health Sciences, Culinary Sciences and Supply Chain Management in a space designed to spark curiosity and connection.
Students play a central role in shaping the interiors, especially their desire for a nature-inspired atmosphere. Biophilic design strategies use natural materials, interior greenery, generous daylight, and views that reflect the Midwestern landscape—elements that help students feel calm, welcome, and motivated. Classrooms connect directly to adjacent labs, which enables instruction to flow seamlessly into hands-on learning. These transparent environments open onto the “Discovery Trail,” a central circulation spine where students and visitors observe active learning across programs. This approach reinforces the idea that the building functions as a teaching tool.
A hybrid structural system combining steel and mass timber incorporates 115,000 square feet of cross-laminated timber. Exposed mechanical systems intentionally serve as educational elements, and healthy materials, including Red-List-free products, wood finishes and living moss walls, support environmental responsibility and wellness.
Additional Information
Associated Firm
Wightman; CSM Group
Cost per Sq Ft
$544.00
Citation
Crow Island School Citation
Featured in
2026 Educational Interiors Showcase
Interior category
Career Centers
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