Mendocino College Lake Center

The Mendocino College Lake Center tells a story about the region’s history, with some modern moves that make a bold statement about access to education in this rural fringe of Northern California.

LOCAL HERITAGE

The valley with its oak-studded hills and seasonal creek has been home to generations of farmers and ranchers. Simple agrarian architecture provided design inspiration for building forms which frame views of the surrounding hills and Mt. Konocti in the distance.

From the parking lot, a concrete feature wall draws you past the classroom building to the center of campus and the LRC. An organizing central “spine” crosses your path and reaches across campus toward classrooms, the art center and creek walk beyond. Deep overhangs provide shade in the summer and protection from rain in the winter.

OUTDOOR CONNECTION

Student learning on this active and modern campus embraces the surrounding natural habitat with an abundance of glass walls and windows that frame the views. Board formed concrete, painted cement board siding and steel elements follow the farmhouse vernacular, while use of wood on the interior provides a warm contrast to the sturdy concrete walls and polished floors.