Portfolio: Project Details
Margaret Lesher Student Union Building
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA
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Interactive Resources designed the new two-story 12,000 square foot, $2.4
million Student Union building for the Contra Costa Community College District.
Goals and priorities were developed to best serve the student body by meetings
with the Student Union Committee. The program was set with areas for Student
Government, quiet study, access to computers, in addition to areas for
gathering, recreation, and food service.
Architects at Interactive Resources developed a design that incorporated two
wings to provide a separation of active space from quiet areas. A two-story
lobby unites the building and provides a central gathering space. The building
siting creates a connection to the existing Culinary Arts Program. The lower
outdoor area is protected from wind and weather, maximizing utilization of the
facility throughout the year.
The Student Union is one of the first community college facilities to be
financed and owned by the student body. Students at Diablo Valley College voted
to tax themselves up to $10 a year to build this gathering place for students
and staff.
This student commitment impressed the Margaret Lesher Foundation, which provided
a generous endowment of $500,000 to furnish the Student Union and to pay for
the maintenance and administration of the facility. The building was recently
renamed “The Margaret Lesher Student Union Building,” in memory of Margaret
Lesher.
