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October 01.2025
3 Minutes Read

Discover the Innovative Design of Robert Day Sciences Center at Claremont McKenna

Robert Day Sciences Center with modern architecture and evening lights.

Transformative Architecture: The New Robert Day Sciences Center

The recently completed Robert Day Sciences Center at Claremont McKenna College marks a significant milestone as BIG's first built project in the Los Angeles area. This architectural marvel encapsulates a vision of interdisciplinary learning, bringing together students and faculty in a dynamic environment designed for collaboration and engagement.

An Architectural Gem in Claremont

Situated just outside of Los Angeles, the Robert Day Sciences Center is a five-storey structure that integrates classrooms, labs, and social spaces. The building features a series of stacked rectangular volumes, uniquely rotated at 45 degrees, surrounding a central atrium. This atrium serves not just as a passageway but as a vibrant social hub where students and professors can connect. According to Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG, the design aimed to create a series of parallel building volumes that foster openness and transparency.

Environmental Considerations: A LEED Gold Certified Space

The building epitomizes sustainable architecture by pursuing a LEED Gold certification. Its roof houses nearly 11,000 square feet of solar panels, contributing to the college's goals of renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Each of the eight outdoor terraces incorporates native landscaping, enhancing biodiversity while offering additional social and study areas for students. By blending functionality with sustainability, Claremont McKenna College sets a green example for institutions across higher education.

Creating Space for Interdisciplinary Learning

The Robert Day Sciences Center embodies Claremont McKenna's commitment to integrated sciences, allowing for collaboration among various fields. As the first building in BIG's master plan for the college, it adds a modern twist to the educational landscape—tailored not just for sciences such as genetics and climate studies, but also for fostering creativity and critical thinking across disciplines. Claremont McKenna College President Hiram E. Chodosh emphasizes that the design encourages learning at intersections, furthering the mission of preparing future leaders.

Inside the Building: A Blend of Aesthetics and Functionality

The interior of the Sciences Center is just as captivating as its exterior. Decorated in the school's colors of red and gold, the building features interior panels made of Douglas fir that provide a warm, inviting atmosphere. The atrium invites natural light and visual connection, as classrooms and labs are placed in a way that allows for transparency within the learning processes. Within this interactive space, students gain not only academic knowledge but also social experiences that contribute to their overall personal growth.

Looking Forward: The Future of Claremont McKenna College

With the completion of the Robert Day Sciences Center, Claremont McKenna College looks poised to redefine the educational experience. As more students arrive to explore this newly minted facility, expectations are high for the collaborative efforts that will emerge within its walls. This architectural achievement is not merely about aesthetics; it represents a long-term investment in enriching educational practices and fostering a vibrant academic community.

In conclusion, the Robert Day Sciences Center stands as a beacon for innovative teaching practices and interdisciplinary collaboration, setting a higher standard for educational facilities. Whether you're a student, educator, or an architecture enthusiast, this building offers something valuable to learn and experience.

As digital nomads seeking efficient and comfortable remote workspaces, consider how the principles of design and collaboration used in the Sciences Center could inspire your own workspace. How can you create an environment that fosters learning and engagement in your daily routine? Explore these ideas and bring new life to your remote work setup!

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Explore the Unique Design of Holiday Homes for Digital Nomads

Update Three Sisters Share a New Memory-Making Space On the beautiful North Stradbroke Island in Queensland, a unique architectural project has emerged that pays homage to familial bonds and shared memories: Blok Three Sisters. Designed by the talented duo of Vokes and Peters, these three identical holiday homes were built specifically for three sisters who cherished their childhood vacations at this very site. As digital nomads increasingly seek flexible and inspiring spaces that accommodate both family life and work, projects like this provide a compelling vision of a viable future for work and leisure. Preserving Family Traditions in Modern Design The initiative behind Blok Three Sisters reflects a strong narrative of continuity and nostalgia, allowing the next generation to create new memories together. Each home is built with functionality and adaptability in mind, designed to host not just immediate family but also older relatives or friends. The design incorporates a ground floor that serves as a standalone, step-free apartment, catering to every family's evolving needs. This echoes the growing demand for versatile living spaces as more people embrace remote work and seek to blend leisure with productivity. A Seamless Move Towards Sustainability and Efficiency The concept of prefabricated homes is becoming increasingly relevant in today's housing market. These three sisters are not only breaking new ground in their desire for shared space but are also leading the way towards more sustainable building practices. According to Vokes and Peters, the homes were prefabricated in a Brisbane factory and installed on site with minimal disruption and waste, a model highly influenced by the global shift towards sustainability in construction. For digital nomads, understanding the benefits of such prefabricated solutions offers insights into efficient, environmentally friendly workspace designs. Creating Effective Workspaces in Hybrid Homes In the new context of hybrid living and working, Blok Three Sisters does more than just provide shelter—it encourages practical insights into how to create effective workspaces within a home. With generous natural light from skylight bathrooms and large windows that offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the homes promote a connection with nature, helping to enhance productivity. For digital nomads, a workspace with such contemplative views can significantly affect work efficacy and creativity. Balancing Family Life and Work The clever design by Vokes and Peters includes shared spaces that are carefully curated for social activities, including gardens adorned with natural greenery and outdoor living areas. This balance between workspace and functional shared spaces is what makes the homes suitable for diverse family dynamics. Understanding how to create similar environments within limited home spaces might inspire digital nomads to rethink their own work-life balance and how they utilize their home environments for both professional and leisure time. Enduring Values from an Architectural Perspective As digital nomads often juggle personal time with professional obligations, the design of Blok Three Sisters presents a lesson that is just as much about architecture as it is about the values of family and connection. As more individuals embark on remote work, they seek spaces that support both solitude and communal living. This project stands as a reminder that architecture can encompass shared memories and traditions while simultaneously catering to the evolving needs of families in modern society. Conclusion: Embracing Adaptability and Resilience Blok Three Sisters exemplifies how architectural innovation can facilitate not only livable spaces but also maintain strong family ties across generations. In the pursuit of creating efficient workspaces that offer comfort, one might consider how to adapt such designs into their own lives. For digital nomads, the key takeaway here is the importance of building flexible environments that promote both productivity and relaxation—inviting families to create deeper connections while working effectively from home.

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