Student Learning Commons at STCC recognized for design

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When they’re on campus this spring, Springfield Technical Community College students almost certainly will have a need to use the Ira H. Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons, the vibrant and eye-catching hub for services and activities.

The inviting design of the building recently drew praise from the Boston Society for Architecture, which is honoring the Learning Commons with an award.

Ann Beha Architects announced the Learning Commons is a recipient of a 2021 BSA Higher Education Facilities Design Award. ABA will accept the award for the adaptive reuse project.

STCC President John B. Cook said he is proud the Learning Commons is being honored. The building serves as a central access point for services, including financial aid and admissions, the library,  the campus bookstore, tutoring and social spaces, and health center and much more.

“The STCC campus remains open, and our access is a vital contribution during these difficult times,” Cook said. “Our unique Student Learning Commons continues to be a signature resource for our students. We’re thrilled that it has been recognized for its design. It’s an inviting space where students come for services, activities and events. Thank you to Ann Beha Architects for giving us this award-winning design and congratulations on the honor.”

The Boston Society for Architecture honors projects that embody critical values that advance architecture, equity and the environment. This year’s awards address the principles of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, which sets standards for buildings that demonstrate progress toward a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient and healthy built environment.

Our unique Student Learning Commons continues to be a signature resource for our students. John B. Cook, President, STCC

Philip Chen, principal and president of Ann Beha Architects in Boston, said,  “We’re so proud the Ira H. Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons has been recognized by the Boston Society of Architects for supporting STCC’s mission to provide equitable access to education for students of all ages and backgrounds. The Student Learning Commons centralizes support services that help students succeed in education and in life, and we’re grateful to have had this opportunity to work with STCC on this transformative project.”

STCC celebrated the opening of the building in December 2018.  The more than 100,000-square-foot building – built in the 19^th century as a storehouse for supplies – was revitalized into an energy-efficient facility and center of student life at STCC. The Learning Commons’  modern and inviting interior maintains the historic character of the structure, also known as Building 19.

The building stretches 764 feet across the north side of the STCC campus. If the building were turned on its side, it would exceed the height of the 749-foot-tall Prudential Tower in Boston

It’s not the first time the building has been singled out for excellence. The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) honored STCC and Ann Beha Architects of Boston with the “Excellence in Planning for a District or Campus Component” award in 2017 for their efforts.

Students and anyone wanting to apply to STCC can stop by the Admissions office in the building to submit an application or ask questions about the college’s programs. The spring semester starts Jan. 24.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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