Construction has begun on the College of the Desert's $268 million campus in Palm Springs, Calif. Designed by WRNS Studio, this regional hub for education and innovation will provide dry labs, maker spaces, and studios for architecture, recording, and film. With multiple buildings spanning 27 acres, the 175,000-sf complex features The Accelerator, a two-story structure accommodating programs in digital media and arts, healthcare, and architecture. An inviting lobby will open onto a range of environments such as flexible classrooms, technology-enabled training rooms, space for industry partnerships, and a café.
The Culinary Institute will be a world-class facility for food science with advanced kitchen laboratories and a boutique restaurant, and the Events Center will integrate multiple performance venues available for both community and academic use. A network of interconnected paths will foster connectivity, accompanied by numerous outdoor settings for recreation and relaxation.
With extensive glazing to showcase interior activities, the sustainable development is slated to achieve LEED Gold certification and will utilize onsite photovoltaic arrays for power generation. C.W. Driver is the construction manager for the project, which includes a mobility hub, a central utility plant, and a center for operations and maintenance. Ground was broken in late 2024 and completion is anticipated in 2027.
| Organization | Project Role |
|---|---|
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WRNS Studio
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Architect
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C.W. Driver
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Construction Manager
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