The Fox Center’s location as the new campus gateway underscores its importance as a landmark building. New courtyards at the parking/entry and adjacent to the existing student center complement established courtyards and circulation patterns. The Center’s design provides a level of transparency that permits users a view of the common areas and courtyard. Every room has an orientation to the corridor and the outdoors. This new 30,000-SF technology center embodies West Valley College’s commitment to the advancement of instructional computing and distance learning. A variety of technological resources are integrated into the facility in order to give faculty the opportunity to experiment and implement a variety of different instructional strategies. Users have seamless access to the Internet, computer labs, classrooms, and other campus resources.
The Fox Center is the first of many wireless data buildings that provide internet access to the campus’ exterior plazas. The facility includes a mixture of both “active” social spaces and “passive” study spaces that support individual, group and classroom environments. The availability of wireless access, courtyards, and introduction of group study areas in and around the building encourage students to remain on campus and interact with their classmates and faculty.