CSUF Nutwood Parking Structure

NUTWOOD

parkingstructure C A L I F O R N I A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y F U L L E R T O N

[ fullerton, ca ]

PROJECT

Nutwood Parking Structure California State University, Fullerton LOCATION

Fullerton, CA

California State Fullerton’s five-level, 2,500-space parking structure provides a safe and welcoming facility for students and prominently defines a new entrance to the campus and the new Performing Arts Center.

Carefully guided by concerns for safety, massing, and environmental sustainability, the design of the garage’s entry spaces, stairs, and elevator lobbies are conducive to student interaction and promote cognitive wayfinding and smooth pedestrian circulation. Additionally, the circulation core is situated along the north face of the structure and aligned directly at the end of the new central campus promenade.

Along the north façade and the entry to the campus, the parking structure features dramatic translucent glass paneling above the ground level which is back-lit at night. The continual movement of people, vehicles, and headlights is projected onto the glass making arrival to the campus a theatrical experience.

The animated facade also pays tribute to the visual and performing arts schools that are directly adjacent to the structure.

As a creative and environmentally responsible way to integrate the building’s enormous mass into the natural surroundings, a “living wall” composed of Greenscreen—fast-growing flowering vines—and bamboo is installed on the south, west, and east façades, and is backed by a screen of perforated stainless steel panels. This skin allows natural ventilation and clear visual connectivity between the inside and outside, creating an open and airy feeling.

Addressing serious safety concerns was essential to the design process. The building’s structural design utilizes a moment frame system to eliminate shear walls and reduce hiding places for potential attackers. Uninterrupted sight lines are maintained between the interior and exterior of the garage by leaving the ground floor perimeter free of screening. Energy-efficient fluorescent lighting, controlled by motion detectors, evenly flood the interior spaces and reflect off of the warm white paint on the columns and ceiling. This system guarantees energy conservation without compromising the safety of students at night.

Pedestrian Entry

Site Plan

Arts Walk

Performing Arts Center Visual Arts Complex

Arts Plaza

Parking Structure

Pedestrian Entry

Glass Layering Concept

Glass Detail

View from Arts Plaza

North Elevation

Theatrical Glass Screen

Details

Interior Stair Landing

Bamboo Screen

california state university fullerton

NUTWOOD PARKING STRUCTURE Client Size Completion Location Key Points

California State University, Fullerton Five-level, 2,500-space parking structure 2006 Fullerton, CA • New entrance to campus and the new Performing Arts Center; • Public spaces specifically designed to be conducive to student interaction and promote cognitive wayfinding and smooth pedestrian circulation; • Safety concerns addressed creatively in the design process; • Situated at the end of a new central campus and promenade; • Dramatic translucent glass paneling creates continuous movement of people, vehicles, and headlights projected onto wall; • “Living Wall” includes Greenscreen; and • Sustainable structure with guaranteed energy conservation.

Awards & Publications

BusinessWeek.com “Traffic-Stopping Parking Structures” May 21, 200 AIA / Orange County Design Merit Award, 2007 AIA / Long Beach / South Bay Chapter Honor Award, 2005