Working together: Butte County’s Association of Governments and the B-Line Regional Transit System are now close neighbors at the shared Butte Regional Transit Operations Center

AT HOME IN THE ORCHARD

Staff and visitors are reminded of Butte County’s agricultural roots in the almond, olive and citrus industry by an orchard-like grid of trees that provide shade in the parking lots and shared courtyard.

PLACE-MAKING

At our kick-off meeting, we asked the project stakeholders, “What do bus drivers, a board of directors, administrative staff and skilled mechanics all have in common?” Their answer was, “A duty to serve our communities.” So we set about designing a facility that would support their disparate skills and functional needs in a way that respected that commitment to a common goal.

MORNING ROLLOUT

Bus mechanics begin their day early at this busy center, which sees a constant flow of buses in and out of the complex. On cold mornings, the radiant heating underfoot keeps mechanics comfortable and productive. The roll-up glass doors let in plenty of natural light and can be opened for cross ventilation with opposing clerestory windows. The operating budget also appreciates the sustainable features of the building!

PUBLIC FACE

The Administration Building has simple linear forms, and employs natural materials and textures that reference nearby agricultural buildings. The interior layout is organized around a central “spine” which offers efficient flow between the BCAG office, central meeting space and the B-Line’s staff areas.