Oakton Community College

See the Science and Health Careers Center construction camera.

As a new gateway to Oakton Community College, the 93,000-square-foot Science and Health Careers Center offers sophisticated learning settings and celebrates the campus’s natural highlights.


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The three-level facility widens as it rises. This tiered strategy reduces the building’s footprint, preserves pathways into the campus and shelters an outdoor plaza. An outdoor classroom sits between the building and an oak tree grove.

Piers raise the center seven-and-a-half feet above ground in response to a flood hazard zone. During floods, water will flow beneath the building.  


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Key Components
Simulation labs
Octagonal labs support collaborative learning
Soft learning zones for learning beyond the classroom
Optimum views of the lake and surrounding forest 


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Sustainable Features
Shape and orientation maximize solar heat gain and mitigate winter winds
Mechanical system reduces heating/cooling loads
Occupancy sensors regulate lighting
Natural light and views for 75% of classrooms
Self-shading façade and light shelves


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Read the article "Luminary on the Lake." 

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