Lakes Region Community College Center for Arts & Technology

The specialized science laboratories and nursing simulation center in the college’s new academic building prepare graduates for health and science careers. A two-story, 30,000-square-foot addition features classrooms for distance learning, while comfortable nooks, inspired by the tranquility of Japanese tea houses, were created to provide quiet space for commuter students between classes. Exterior and interior patterns reflect those found in traditional tea house design. The Academic Commons houses a flexible 140-seat, multipurpose hall for academic and community-based events and lectures. This project demonstrates SMRT’s capacity to deliver high-impact design at a low cost per square foot.