Jon Neuman
Senior Consultant
Saddleback College is one of three campuses of the South Orange County Community College District. The College recognized a need to consolidate instructional and student service functions dispersed at opposite ends of the campus. Acentech collaborated with architect HED to make this vision a reality, providing acoustics, audiovisual, telecommunications, and security consulting for this three-story, 78,000 sf building throughout all phases of design and construction. The Gateway Building houses technology-rich learning spaces for multiple academic programs and student services creating a welcome center for both students and visitors. It features classroom lecture space, learning labs, study areas, collaborative workplace spaces, and a learning commons.
As in all educational settings, excellent hearing conditions with appropriate acoustic treatments are needed for each different type of space. Our acousticians provided guidance for room acoustics, designed sound isolation elements to keep noisy makerspace and lab equipment from disturbing students in adjacent rooms, and offered noise mitigation recommendations for mechanical systems throughout the building.
Acentech designed low voltage technology systems including audiovisual, telecommunications infrastructure and electronic security for the entire facility, which includes classrooms, active learning spaces, labs, library and additional ancillary spaces. The focus of the audiovisual design approach was to blend end-user functionality with seamless integration of the latest conferencing and display technology into the architectural environment.
The telecommunications infrastructure at Gateway is vital because of the technology-rich aspects of the facility design. A crucial component of the design is the link of the Gateway network infrastructure with the campus telecommunications backbone utilizing state-of-the-art, air blown fiber optic distribution systems. Our telecommunications experts collaborated closely with our audiovisual and security designers to ensure all technology systems were well integrated. The design of the electronic security systems for Gateway leveraged state-of-the-art network surveillance systems and access controls to provide a safe and secure environment for students and staff.
The new Gateway is a testament to coordinated teamwork, providing a thoughtfully designed building that is, itself, a place for connection, integrated services, and learning.
