PORT ANGELES — Peninsula College’s new Maier Hall has been awarded a Design Citation in a juried competition by the 2011 American School & University Architectural Portfolio.
The portfolio is the premier showcase celebrating the best in education design.
The only other post-secondary citation was awarded to Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Ironwood Hall, Chandler, Ariz.
The 2011 jury said of Maier Hall, a $36 million building dedicated Sept. 23: “There is a loft-like quality to the interior spaces that is pleasingly articulated with the structure and materials.”
The architects for Maier Hall are Schacht Aslani Architects from Seattle. They were also the architects for Peninsula College’s new library.
“Maier Hall is a striking example of how architecture can contribute to the teaching and learning process and provide the essential spaces needed for education,” said Peninsula College President Tom Keegan.
“Schacht Aslani Architects worked closely with college faculty and staff throughout the entire process, from design to final construction, and the result is a facility that is not only striking in appearance, but one that is uniquely fitted to meet the needs of the college and our communities.”
The 62,950-square-foot building, which opened for classes Sept. 26, houses writing, math, computer and foreign language labs; a ground-floor ceramics lab and third-floor art studios; classrooms for courses in English, math, the social sciences and humanities; and faculty offices.
It also includes a 131-seat performance hall and has a number of sustainable features that include geothermal energy, daylight harvesting, natural ventilation, wetland restoration and an innovative moss roof.
Maier Hall, completed in April, replaces the old Maier Hall and three other buildings.
The Architectural Portfolio jury selected 137 projects to be profiled in the 2011 American School & University Architectural Portfolio, which will be published in November.
