Black Hawk College

The teaching and learning spaces throughout the campus at Black Hawk College had remained relatively constant over the years despite the evolution of teaching and learning paradigms. In order to address this issue in a transformative way, DKA was engaged by Black Hawk College to work closely with faculty, staff, and students to create new collaborative learning environments consisting of technologically-rich, adaptable, active learning classrooms and inviting faculty office suites, all woven together by a series of gathering spaces and organized around an outdoor courtyard space created between the new and renovated facilities.

In addition to providing space for collaborative learning, the building addition was designed to enhance the College’s front door appearance and provide a new primary entry lobby and welcome desk for the campus.  Internal pedestrian bridges connect the new and renovated areas of the building while incorporating informal student collaboration spaces with views to the outdoor courtyard located between the buildings. The outdoor environment has been designed for student life programming and to also extend opportunities for student and faculty engagement to the exterior.  Abundant glazing provides visual connections throughout the building, showcasing the collaborative academic programs, while also maximizing daylight into the classrooms and collaboration spaces.