The new centerpiece of the Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Bridget Hall was conceived around the idea a much-needed "heart" to the school.
Bridget Hall is named for Major Bernard A. Bridget, the project officer for the construction of what was initially known as Higley Field. Major Bridget stayed on at the base as the first Base Commander while earning two promotions.
The Williams Campus opened in Mesa near the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in 1995 with a few hundred students and this year serves about 3,780 students organized in six academic buildings on the Williams Campus have a total of about 220,000 square feet, with 27 classrooms and 10 labs as well as administrative and office space.
“Conceived around the idea of a 'village of buildings' this project supports the autonomy and legibility of three separate but linked functions: a Student Lounge 'town square', a Learning Commons, and a Multi-function pavilion. “ says Will Bruder.
In addition to offering a full schedule of general studies courses, the Williams Campus is home to a number of specialized programs, including aviation, nursing, fire science, electric utility technology, and law enforcement training.
Bridget Hall will be almost 18,000 square feet and will include a learning commons, student activities center, lounge, meeting spaces and office space. Built by Sundt Construction, Inc. from a design by Will Bruder Architects of Phoenix, the $7.05M project broke ground in February 2010.
Williams Campus Provost John Schroeder said that the construction of Bridget Hall was vital in order to keep pace with the campus’ continued growth, “Bridget Hall is a beautiful building which will provide important services to our students, such as a library, computer commons, food service, bookstore, student life spaces, and a multi-function meeting space.”
“This facility will include tutoring and instructional spaces and inviting spots for students to gather and study or just get together with friends” Schroeder said.
CGCC wanted a turnkey A/V system that provides seamless interactivity across all spaces, allowing teachers to easily make changes, switch between lessons on the fly and boost student engagement and interest in the classroom.
CGCC has made the commitment to achieve a minimum rating of LEED Silver on all new building projects. Developed and administered y the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED rating system is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being.
Location: Mesa, Arizona, USA
Architects: Will Bruder Architects
Area: 1,785 sf
Year: 2010
Build: Sundt Construction
Client: Chandler-Gilbert Community College