Project profile: Seminar II, The Evergreen State College

To create smaller learning communities based upon the academic program, five semi-independent academic clusters are fingered into the landscape as Seminar II. Each cluster supports four interdisciplinary academic programs and is composed of faculty offices, student "homerooms," seminar rooms, breakout spaces, a workshop, and a lecture hall. A central open volume allows daylighting, natural stack ventilation and visual connections between the academic programs.

The academic clusters respond to both the campus grid and cardinal directions, creating a variety of exterior spaces and views. A system of open walkways, stairs, and bridges tie the levels together. Outdoor classrooms extend from each lower level into this landscape.
(2005 AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects recipient)