Construction Zone: Arts education

The four-story, 49,000-square-foot Humanities & Technology Building at Palm Beach Community College, Boca Raton, Fla., creates a gateway to campus.

Sweeping, curved panels highlight the building entrance; monolithic walls are punctuated with whimsical blocks of color; and the two stair towers are expressed either through an exposed arrangement or behind a glass curtainwall. Creative ceiling treatments and an infusion of natural light enhance interior spaces.

The building includes state-of-the-art technology in multidimensional classrooms, studios and labs, as well as theater and music appreciation, plus two Socratic teaching classrooms, computer labs and display areas.

A circular garden acts as the link between the existing campus and the new humanities building, which has a radial plaza emanating from the center. This outdoor plaza serves as a living classroom and gallery for student lectures and projects.

The architect is STH Architectural Group, Inc. (West Palm Beach, Fla.)