Steinberg Hart-designed Scott A. McGregor Computer Science Center at Harvey Mudd College has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with the prestigious 2023 Facility Education Design Award of Excellence, the highest honor the national organization bestows upon an educational project. The Net Zero McGregor Center was among nine Awards of Excellence selected among the best education projects submitted from across the nation.

Sponsored by the Committee on Architecture for Education, an AIA Knowledge Community, the Education Facility Design Awards Program recognizes projects that showcase innovation, displaying how architects are creating cutting edge spaces that enhance modern pedagogy. The projects are representative of state-of-the-art education environments being developed in today’s learning spaces nationwide, including early childhood, K-12, alternative, community and technical colleges, schools of higher education, corporate or other specialized training centers and non-traditional learning environments such as community centers, museums, libraries, nature centers, and interpretive centers.

A modern jewel on Harvey Mudd College’s Edward Durrell Stone-designed campus, the Scott A. McGregor Computer Science Center and its makerspace are a vibrant nexus for project-based learning. It’s the first-ever home for the school’s rapidly expanding computer science program, which was previously scattered across campus. As the college’s second new academic building in 25 years, the  36,000 SF Zero Net Energy building creates a new campus gateway to the College, connecting it with its surrounding community. With new cutting-edge educational spaces, a campus resource and innovation hub in a state-of-the-art makerspace, and social spaces for vibrant interaction and cross-disciplinary connections, the McGregor Center has fundamentally transformed the student experience.

Simple things like the envelope truly have a significant impact and provide a different overall view. From an innovation standpoint, I really appreciate the work they put into it. They also really did a good job maintaining net-zero parameters. – Jury Comment

This AIA National award is the latest in a long list of accolades for the project, including top honors from AIA Los Angeles, a Grand Award from Learning by Design, and Southern California Development Forum, among others.

Design Principal Mike Miller shares, “When you have a client and team who challenges you, and who you can challenge back, the results become greater than that singular vision of any individual.  This was a total team effort and a foundational moment in my design journey.”

For more information on the project and the awards program, visit AIA’s website.