Springfield Technical Community College
Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons

Springfield Technical Community College is committed to providing equitable access to an affordable education for students of all ages and from all backgrounds. Previously, student services were difficult to find and scattered throughout the College campus, a barrier to the student experience. Our Student Learning Commons project brings all student services together in a 764-feet long building constructed in 1846 as a storehouse for the Springfield National Amory and listed on the National register of Historic Places.

Four hubs are created within the building – Library Learning Commons, Enrollment Center, Academic Advising Center, and a Student Life Center that includes a bookstore and offices for student clubs. Gathering and social spaces, previously nonexistent elsewhere on the campus, are threaded throughout the building, creating opportunities for intentional as well as chance encounter for the entire College community.

The brick masonry building envelope is restored and new windows installed throughout. The original wood truss structure is left exposed on the interior, with a glass storefront system used for interior partitioning.  The site is redesigned to create new green space and to connect with surrounding campus buildings.