Founding Class Program
Avenues Silicon Valley
Location
San Jose, CA, USA
Years of Involvement
2022-2023
Project Role
Design Manager, Owner's Representative
Size
8,000 gsf
Scope
Facility Programming Interior Fit-Out Furniture Graphics
Key Words
Adaptive Reuse
User Centric
UX Design
Design Build
Student Input
A consistent approach to what was improved while varying the theme by room was a decision that helped achieve quality while melding program with environment.
To support the startup program in the market, a temporary space was secured at nearby Mission College. The challenge in the first year was to create a first of its kind experience housed in what would typically be considered neglected, substandard space, all to be completed from design to construction in a matter of a few months. The treatment which was dictated by ‘high impact, low investment’ was strategic by design. In the program’s second year at the Mission College location, a longer timeline allowing for meaningful interaction and input by the students whereby they pitched room theme ideas with a fully developed presentation. Over the next months, students were included in the development of the design providing feedback during review sessions. The final product and ‘reveal’ to faculty and students was a landmark moment memorializing all the collaborative work leading to that point. Since the students and faculty have been using the spaces, new and unimagined ways in using the ‘innovation labs’ have been formed by the pioneering school community.
