Miller Hull

The campus of Cascadia Community College (CCC) and The University of Washington Bothell (UWB) is a unique pairing of institutions adjacent to a dedicated 58-acre wetland restoration program as part of the joint campus’ mission. At CCC, The Center for Global Learning and the Arts (GLA) is a 54,000-square foot classroom and office building designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration by housing new programs which integrate visual and performing arts, world languages and international business curriculum.

The building design is the result of a collaborative process reflecting Cascadia’s commitment to leading-edge design and a vanguard approach to education and the environment. The overall building’s circulation was determined by its functional use. Contemplative, thoughtful spaces face the forest while more public spaces front a new plaza. This plaza serves as an outdoor classroom and accommodates large gatherings both for the camps and the surrounding community. The spaces and systems, including a 240-seat multi-purpose performance space, are designed to be flexible and adaptive for Cascadia’s changing needs.

The project initially targeted LEED silver certification, but with a fully committed integrated team incorporating many innovative sustainable elements, it achieved a Platinum rating for no additional cost. Selecting durable, easily maintainable, and locally-sourced materials and limiting the quantity where possible was part of the project’s sustainable goals. For the exterior, the brick veneer and recycled content metal siding were used where needed and concrete sheer walls were left mostly exposed. These materials were selected to serve as both a connection to the existing campus buildings while also creating a distinct modern structure.