California State University System recognizes LPA with top prize in architecture and engineering
(NORTHRIDGE, Calif.) November 19, 2018 — Integrated design firm LPA earned the “Best Practice in Architecture and Engineering” award at the California State University (CSU) 2018 Facilities Management Conference this week for the design of the Extended University Commons building at CSU Northridge.
The Best Practice Awards are presented every two years at the conference to “celebrate the hard work, innovations and achievements” of the California State University campuses. The Best Practice in Architecture and Engineering award recognizes one project that “improved design and construction systems and overall innovation where the approach challenged professionals to understand and embrace other points of view or solutions," according to the CSU System.
LPA’s design for three-story, 67,000-square-foot Extended University Commons created a new home for the Tseng College of Extended Learning. The LEED Gold-certified building accommodates a wide variety of programs for international students and adult career education, including classrooms, technology labs, administrative and student support services.
Designed around an open courtyard and collaboration gallery, the building integrates a wide variety of flexible learning, workplace and social environments, reflecting the facilities’ diverse uses.
“The design team explored formal and informal learning concepts to discover how students can explore and engage collaboratively,” said Winston Bao, design director at LPA.
The project, one of many collaborations between LPA and the California State University system, also incorporates an array of methods to produce significant energy savings, including dramatic overhangs, high-performance glazing and abundant natural daylight and views.
“Northridge marked the 100th LEED building to be completed by LPA’s integrated design team,” said Wendy Rogers, chief executive officer of LPA. “It is also an excellent example of what a collaborative approach to design can achieve.”
About LPA
Founded in 1965, LPA specializes in creating innovative environments that work better, do more with less and improve people’s lives. An integrated design firm with six locations in California and Texas, LPA’s team includes more than 450 in-house architects, master planners, engineers, interior designers and landscape architects, working across a wide array of sectors. For more information, visit http://www.lpadesignstudios.com.
