LSW partnered with Clark College on the pre-design, programming and design of the Gaiser Hall renovation. The project added around 20,000 sf of new construction, involved around 40,000 SF of structural and non-structural remodel to the existing building, and added a public plaza at the north entry. 

To serve this hub for student services for Clark College, LSW coordinated among 18 different student affairs departments as well as the college’s bookstore. Programming efforts integrated LSW’s Symposium process to establish the vision for a lightweight, bright and comfortable Gaiser Hall that would create a strong connection between the Penguin Student Union, Student Affairs, and the library.

One of the unique aspects of the construction process was the need for continuous occupation of the facility. Top priority was given to providing access to and maintaining functionality of the bookstore, as well as maintaining egress routes from classrooms and offices. The construction process was carefully divided and scheduled in order to achieve this goal.

The project utilizes passive and active heating and cooling strategies, including chilled beam technology and radiant heating/cooling with concrete slab areas. Mechanical systems were upgraded and reused, and natural ventilation pathways were studied to maximize energy savings in the new two-story entry.