Client: Bessemer State Technical College
Area: 34,600 sq. ft.
Scope: Two administration suites; 12 multi-purpose, flexible classrooms; and two large, flexible industrial training areas
This unique building is the result of a cooperative venture between Bessemer State Technical College and the local business-industrial community. Design criteria required that the facility serve as a center for training students in occupations to meet both current and yet-to-be-created industrial skill needs. A key to meeting these criteria is the highly flexible areas on both levels.
Operable partition systems on the upper level allow for handling class sizes of from 10 to 200 students. Flexible lighting and power systems permit audio-visual and computer training methods to be used in all classroom sizes. The lower-level industrial training spaces have flexible HVAC systems and overhead electrical distribution for temporary installation of a wide variety of tools and equipment that may be needed to support training in a range of work and team-oriented environments.
The facility is located at the northeast corner of the existing campus, designed to harmonize with existing buildings. Extensive landscaping blends the building into its surrounding. The school has successfully trained thousands of students in a multitude of occupational skills needed by businesses and industry.
