Skip to content
Award · 08.15.2025

Evergreen Valley College Student Services Complex Wins ENR’s Regional Project Award in the Best Higher Education/ Research Category!

The Student Services Complex at Evergreen Valley College (EVC) serves as a vibrant hub and welcoming campus gateway that enhances the EVC identity, and fosters a sense of community and belonging.

EVC and the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District, one of the most diverse districts in the region, set out with a vision to create a new student services building that rivaled those at top four-year institutions while reflecting the identity and aspirations of its student body.

The 74,068 s.f. complex consolidates key student services, programs, and administrative offices into a central, highly visible location. This enhances access to information and services, strengthens campus connections, and makes essential resources more accessible to students. The building offers visible services, approachable access to staff, and a variety of seating options, encouraging students to stay on campus for studying, socialization, or community-building.

Strategically located to signal arrival and welcome, the building creates a vibrant new entry experience for students and visitors alike. Its dynamic design features a flowing canopy, curved massing, and vertical fins along the glass facade that add tonal texture and enhance energy performance. The student services and administration wings are united by a central oculus lounge and an open-air breezeway below, celebrating arrival and connecting to the campus beyond.

The building’s interior prioritizes intuitive navigation while reflecting the cultural richness of the EVC community. In the double-height lobby, a multilingual “Welcome Wall” celebrates the many languages spoken by the community. A custom light fixture over the welcome desk draws students while color-coded departmental entrances provide wayfinding beyond written English text.
Serving as both the first impression for new students and families and the final stop for graduates, the project transforms the campus experience by fostering engagement, collaboration, and academic success, while supporting community and belonging.

Student Success and Community Engagement

The complex was developed to enhance student success, equity, and community engagement. By consolidating key student services and programs into a central, visible location, it strengthens campus connections and improves access to resources. The building supports strategic goals of reducing time to degree completion and increasing transfers to four-year institutions or the workforce.

Community Integration

As a community anchor, the complex welcomes local residents to enjoy the campus’ natural beauty, engage in activities, and lounge. Indoor areas like the social stair and Oculus Lounge, and outdoor spots like the entry plaza and breezeway, foster connection and encourage students to remain on campus.

Architectural and Design Features

A signature element is the curving, all-glass facade. The design required precise coordination with trade partners responsible for the façade, windows, and carpet to accommodate the curvature of the building. The oculus skylight and canopy enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal and allow natural light to enter the space, creating a bright, inviting environment.

Advanced Construction Techniques

Technologies like laser scanning, surveying, and BIM coordination, ensured high-quality execution and saved time. Dusty Robotics, a robotic system designed to automate the layout process, ensured accurate identification and installation of plumbing, fire systems, and other components, leading to both cost savings and improved quality. Foremen actively participated in pull planning and identified areas where they could pick up float and accelerate the schedule to meet the target date.

Community Impact

The project significantly contributed to the local community, with 33% of contracts awarded to underutilized businesses. This commitment is particularly impactful in San Jose, one of the most diverse cities in the United States, where prioritizing these contracts supported local businesses and reinforced the college’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment.

The design team went beyond standard engagement by adopting a collaborative approach that deeply involved user groups. This not only enhanced the project’s quality but also fostered a strong sense of ownership.

“With well-designed spaces, the new Student Services Complex sends a message that our community college students deserve the best,”

said Evergreen Valley College Vice President of Administrative Services, Dr. Andrea Alexander.

“This is where design excellence meets student satisfaction, pride, and academic success.”

The building’s form, transparency, spatial openness, and intuitive wayfinding creates a welcoming environment that encourages students to stay on campus and engage with the community. Key indoor and outdoor spaces like the social stair, Oculus Lounge, entry plaza, and breezeway support both formal and informal gatherings, strengthening campus bonds. The design draws from its physical environment to promote student well-being and celebrates the campus’ natural beauty.

A standout feature is the bridge connecting administration, student services, and the student body. This promotes unity and accessibility, making it easier for students to navigate and engage with services. The second-floor deck was designed as a flexible, open space for collaboration that became a hub of interaction and innovation, encouraging spontaneous meetings and creative exchanges.

“From the perspective of testing and inspection, XL Construction sets the bar for professionalism, attention to detail and responsiveness. When an inspector can trust the construction team to do the right thing it creates a valuable work environment. From scheduling and coordination, to resolving and correcting deficiencies, XL makes the process seamless and transparent.”

– Ben Irick, Irick Inspections

The result is a lively, healthy, and welcoming environment. The high-quality, cost-effective finishes chosen for the project were greatly appreciated by the users, who valued the new and improved experience. The building’s design and execution reflected a commitment to excellence and attention to detail.

Date Published: 08.15.2025
Source: ENR

Keep up to date with our latest news and industry insights.