Pierce College Agricultural Education Centers Earns LACCD Prestigious Award for Excellence in Educational Facility

The Agricultural Education Center at Los Angeles Pierce College was recognized with the prestigious New Construction in Higher Education at the Annual Construction Management Association of America – Southern California Awards gala. The two-acre project site was designed to integrate indoor and outdoor learning laboratories with features that mimic a real working farm for the College’s Plant Science & Horticulture program.

“LACCD is honored to be recognized by CMAA - Southern California as a leader advancing innovative and sustainable learning environments,” said Kelsey K. Iino, Board of Trustee President. “Access to comprehensive, state-of-the-art learning environments is at the core of LACCD’s educational mission and delivers on the promise made to the voters that have supported the $14.9 billion bond program.”

Designed by NAC Architects, it incorporated all aspects of the project site to integrate the site’s landscaping and plantings into the Plant Science Program curriculum. The 120” Urbangreen Cistern and Retention tank retains up to 50,000 gallons for irrigation of the project site through a low volume drip and bubbler irrigation system, reducing the College’s use of potable water. Constructed by Rudolph & Sletten, Inc, the 10,400 square foot primary classroom and lab facility features state-of-the-art equipment like an Autoclave Steam Sterilizer and under counter incubator and lab oven.

“LACCD strives to create unique spaces that maximize teaching opportunities for students,” said Dr. Alberto J. Román, LACCD Chancellor. “Learning in the Agricultural Education Center extends beyond the traditional classroom with the intentional integration of the outdoor planter areas for educational observation, management of the irrigation and soil conditions. This innovative approach gives our students the access to practical skills and knowledge needed to prepare and be successful in the agricultural and farming industry.”

The project included state-of-the-art two greenhouses and hothouse, enabling the College to incorporate a different assortment of seasonal fruits and vegetables. The aluminum structure is fitted with the louvre system to teach students how to optimize the environment for the crops they are growing.

“Pierce College is proud to honor our heritage as an agricultural college. The Agricultural Education Center expanded our ability to prepare students with today’s farming techniques and the diversity of plants,” said Aracely Aguiar, Los Angeles Pierce College President. “The greenhouses seamlessly integrate advanced sensor technologies into the learning environments, providing students real-time temperature, humidity, light levels, CO2 levels, and soil moisture data as part of their academic studies.”