Los Medanos College Physical Education Complex and Student Union

A multipurpose complex provides student-focused recreation and social spaces

This 67,000-square-foot combined gym and student activity center is the first large-scale facility of its kind for the community college. The design for the two-building complex creates a comprehensive addition to the school, integrating a variety of activities and gathering spaces into one center.

The Physical Education Complex includes two dedicated fitness studios, a vastly expanded weight and cardio room, separate classrooms and offices for the athletics staff and faculty among other features.

The Student Union brings community to the forefront with a 485-seat conference center that can be divided into smaller event spaces based on need. New food options, a bookstore and student lounge will round out first floor offerings. On the second floor, new offices and meeting space for Los Medanos College Associated Students (LMCAS) will continue to foster community and open exchange as the student body continues to grow.

Minimalism and functionality took center stage in the design, which uses an open floor plan in both buildings. Drought-tolerant landscaping and sustainable water management also play a key role in the site’s design, creating plenty of outdoor programming spaces.

The Los Medanos College PE and Student Union complex projects are pursuing LEED Gold certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a Green Building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The PE Complex and Student Union feature sustainable and LEED strategies such as:

• Water Efficient Landscaping – reducing the potable water used for landscape irrigation by 50% or more.
• Access to Quality Public Transportation – allowing students access to quality public transportation options reduces carbon impact on the planet and provide opportunity and equity.
• Indoor Potable Water Use Reduction – reducing 38% better than baseline.
• Optimized Energy performance using 46% less energy compared to the baseline.
• Diversion of Construction Waste by recycling more than 75% of construction waste materials.