Southwestern College, Corner Lot Development

Chula Vista, California

Firm

BCA Architects

Client

Southwestern Community College District

Area

141,500 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$55,000,000

Completion Date

08/2012

As the first phase of a 20-year master plan, the new 141,500-square-foot corner lot project will house a community conference center, campus bookstore, Internet cafe/restaurant, culinary-arts program, art gallery, cultural and continuing-education center, business/instructional partnership center, public- safety center and SWCCD administration.

The Latin heritage and culture of the surrounding communities is celebrated in the architectural style of the campus. The design draws inspiration from the traditional architecture of the Yucatan Peninsula and the Mayan Indians.

As an extension of the campus, the corner lot project creates a direct physical connection to the community and the city.

The six new buildings are organized around a simple axial promenade that connects the upper campus core to the public corner. The corner complex will serve as the public face of the college, and engages the community at the pedestrian level and visually from people driving by in their cars.