San Ramon, California 

The Diablo Valley College (DVC) San Ramon expansion brought a new Library and Learning Resource Center to the campus. The siting of the buildings created an open space spine linking new to existing facilities and culminating in a quad-like area and activity hub. Key to the success of this urban design is the flexibility of uses, including an outdoor learning environment with attractive outdoor rooms and an indoor/outdoor café and multi-use courtyard. 

MMP designed a unique sculptural fountain made of multiple vertical stones spilling water into a subsurface recirculating system to replace an outdated fountain on the quad. This reinvented plaza is a special and intimate place with seating clusters grouped around the featured fountain. The landscape design utilizes climate appropriate, low water use plant material. Large expanses of lawn have been converted to drought tolerant planting. A state-of-the-art water efficient irrigation system is centrally controlled by facilities/maintenance staff. On-site stormwater management with bioretention and significant areas of permeable pavers were incorporated. 

Owner/Client: Contra Costa Community College

Team Lead: Noll & Tam Architects