The vision for the new home of Life Sciences at Irvine Valley College includes not only formal space to facilitate scientific study and experimentation, but also informal spaces to promote chance encounters, collegial discourse and new discovery. The building has been designed to be the physical embodiment of life science, creating excitement among the students and faculty who share a passion for their field of study. Indoor space blends seamlessly with the exterior. Outdoor features include an amphitheater and geographically themed gardens demonstrating variations in California’s native plant materials and the impact of exposure and microclimate.

The entry’s two-story atrium and demonstration greenhouse immediately imports the relevance of life science in our world today. A two-story, eight lab configuration creates a compact footprint, preserving campus open space.  Each lab connects directly to centralized prep and storage space, allowing the unimpeded flow of materials and equipment. The building is designed to be LEED Gold certified with daylight harvesting and natural ventilation suitable for the mild, coastal climate.