Title: North Georgia Technical College Industrial Technology Center
Location of Proejct: Clarkesville, GA
Project Completion Date: 12/18/2018
Firm Name: Smith Dalia Architects, LLC

Short Description: Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, the Industrial Technology Center (ITC) at North Georgia Technical College marks a grounded, elegant solution to a demanding program. The requirements for transparency between programs and visible in-session labs; innovative classrooms; modern machine labs; and a prominent Economic Development Center/events space intersect with site challenges and the desire for views.

Through a diligent planning process and design, astounding clarity of purpose was achieved. Every entryway clearly showcases the daylit facility’s three components. Stunning machine labs; biophilic elements; and linkage of theoretical with hands-on learning are enriched with breathtaking views and gathering spaces that promote community.

Architect's Statement: ORDER FROM COMPLEXITY
The ambitious program for this 46,327 s.f. facility called for two principal educational programs (CNC Machine Tool and HVAC Technology) with substantial machine labs; computer labs, classrooms and ancillary spaces; and an Economic Development Center with 250-seat event space; office suite, community classrooms, labs and proctored testing center.

The responsive design includes three entrances: north and east as the public face for visitors, and the quad-level (lower) west entry as access for students and staff. The two main program components - education and community interface - appear from the exterior as two distinct “blocks.” The red brick educational block complements the campus-wide unified palette, while the taller community block introduces a new form and palette. Visible from campus and the highway, a clerestory atop the taller block functions as a beacon.

In the interior, the three components are separated by a large circulation space, but visibly connected through the abundance of glass used. This open common space provides a “single-point guided tour” − from any entry, visitors can see “through” the building: Observing machine labs in session; social activity on the 1st floor Commons; or down to the campus quad beyond.

NATURAL CONNECTIONS & THEMATIC MOTIFS
In a design as biophilic as it is utile, the ITC straddles a 12’ grade change. The resultant structure hugs the land, appearing to emerge from and to belong to its surroundings. Its unassuming stance belies the impressive, daylit spans of the interior, with expansive views highlighting the changing light of the north Georgia countryside. With a quiet, purposeful presence, the Industrial Technology Center hums with energetic activity within.

The technical programs at the ITC inspired unified design themes. For example, the roof of the community block suggests a sheet of metal manipulated in the machine lab. Exposed ceilings highlight HVAC fixtures or echo the bent metal motif. Finish selections also follow technological themes: metal accents, exposed concrete and neutral colors. This thoughtful and aesthetic design fulfills NGTC’s aspiration for a visually stunning campus focal point that also fosters the highest level of pedagogy. The Economic Development Center provides an attractive, versatile professional venue that also publicizes the College’s programs.

PLANNING
Planners included NGTC Leadership, Faculty, Facilities Staff, Marketing, Contracting Team, and members of the Design Team. Despite significant buy-in, the stiff requirement package was daunting.

Planning and Concept phases were maximized. Multiple sites and programs were studied, yielding 16 options. Concept selection spanned nearly a year, with variations of stakeholders, in venues including site walks, meetings, and video, in formats from simple Q&A to models. This diligent effort produced an artful, penetrating concept that answered the entire program’s needs.


OTHER NOTABLE FEATURES

1. SMART FUNCTIONALITY: The design turns a complex set of requirements into an aesthetic grouping of navigable spaces, with design elements serving multiple functions. For example, the three entries mark the ends of the axes of the large common space, effectively separating as well as connecting them. The transparent (glass) common space serves to visually connect and to way-find from the two upper entries down through to the campus quad.

2. STUDENTS CAME FIRST: This design demonstrates understanding of the comprehensive needs of its learners. For example, the transparency and generous spaces address the needs of other-abled, including deaf, students. Different learning styles are supported through daylighting and opportunities for differing activities via varied classroom formats. For superior Career and Technical Education (CTE) pedagogy, direct linkage between theoretical and hands-on learning is enabled by connections both visually and physically of classrooms with hands-on labs.

3. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION: Cultural and community considerations by the planning and design team was superior. This holistic design expresses the interplay of CTE excellence with the greater economic community. For example, strong community ties actually improve CTE pedagogy, by espousing and supporting programs for which local employers have expressed a need. This initiative helps not only the students, but the regional economy.

4. ECOLOGY: This facility emerges from a culture based in the rural North Georgia mountains.
• VIEWS: Most student and faculty spaces face west, visually connecting with the rest of campus, with optimum westerly light. The prominent Economic Development Center was afforded the best view identified, facing north and east.
• BIOPHILIC ELEMENTS: Most of the building maintains significant connection with the outdoors, and students are provided daylit machine labs where much of their time is spent.
• DESIGN ACROSS GRADE: The building straddles a 12’ grade change. To balance cut and fill and to provide on-grade vehicular access to both levels, the building’s lower level is tucked into the grade, fulfilling myriad programmatic requirements while creating architectural presence.
• ENERGY: The ITC is tracking certification with the "GA Peach System," O.C.G.A. § 50-8-18, for state buildings. Sustainable features include daylighting, energy modeling, 64% water reduction, use of local materials and Commissioning.