A bridge connects the facility to the adjacent Student Center. Our objective was to provide low capital cost mechanical and electrical systems having minimum major maintenance requirements and low operating costs. Ventilation is by a central VAV system with cooling by a new geothermal well water system. Central steam humidification enhances IAQ and prevents cracking of wood finishes. Seismic design of equipment isolation meets the requirements of earthquake seismic zone 4 and supplements other acoustic control measures.
All equipment is easily accessible for routine inspection and cleaning.
In case of a fire, the building has the ability to deluge the open area beneath the skylight with fresh air which forces smoke out of the building. The HVAC system and SMS are integrated into a single system to reduce first cost. All mechanical systems are controlled by a comprehensive Direct Digital Control system. Lighting was designed to provide minimum glare on computer screens and low energy cost. The electrical system included an emergency generator and extensive computer power conditioning.