Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies
De Anza College
Cupertino, California (Silicon Valley)
Mediterranean climate
Stevens Creek watershed
ne of the highest regarded environmental studies centers in North America. This methods at their best.
Approximately 80% reduction in energy use compared to a comparable college building. Winner of the first ever Livable Building award by the nation’s premier organization of building scientists. First LEED Platinum community college building in the United States.
And – this is a well-loved building.
Its sophisticated and welcoming variety of study, group work and teaching spaces are in constant, productive use. This is a place where energy management students and biodiversity students work together in a positive, productive atmosphere.
When the building opened, the building committee asked Dave to continue his work with them and to begin teaching green building courses here – which he continues to do.
CREDITS
CLIENT: FOOTHILL-DE ANZA Community College District
Kirsch Center Building Committee
Special funders:
Student Government of De Anza College
Steve and Michele Kirsch Foundation
Dave’s Role: Lead Designer and
Project Manager for design
Design Architectural firm:
Van der Ryn Architects
Architect of Record: VBN Architects
Energy Consultant: Don Aitken
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Telecom:
Arup / San Francisco
Structural: Dasse
COST CONSULTANT: DAVIS LANGDON
LEED Consultant: Kathleen Smith
Commissioning: Rumsey Engineers
Public Bid Contractor: S. J. Amoroso
PHOTO: CODY ANDRESEN / ARUP