The aspirations embodied in the Columbus Learning Center present a unique challenge for an architect. How do you design a building that symbolizes the community's commitment to education, open and accessible to all, bridges between two existing institutions, provides a place for life-long learning, supports the secondary school system, helps teachers teach, aids those seeking to improve their labor, provides state-of-the-art technology, and shapes a new campus for generations to come?

How can an architect satisfy this multitude of clients with overlapping or even contrary requirements?

The design is governed by one primary principle: the needs of students come first. The CLC fosters accessibility and interaction. The building is shaped in an arc to bring together the library, classrooms, auditorium, offices, and café under one roof while allowing these components to retain their individual identity. The arc embraces the new campus green.

The design of the Columbus Learning Center reflects the process of its coming-into-being. It symbolizes a dynamic community of strong individuals pulling together to shape building and landscape around the noble ideal of barrier-free learning.

The care and pride of Columbus is evident in how this building was built. In an era when expediency often trumps quality, this building speaks volumes about the character of those involved in its making. Every brick in the Columbus Learning Center tells a story. It is there for generations to read over and again about who we are, how we cared, and how we dreamed of a better tomorrow.



Kevin Kennon
Design Architect
Building Dedication, September 16, 2005