Connecting Students to Services and Campus Life at Saddleback College
The Gateway Building at Saddleback College was envisioned as both a physical and symbolic threshold for the campus. An entry point where students and visitors can immediately connect with services, resources, and the life of the college community. Designed around the college’s CORE values, the building provides critical facilities and support across all academic departments and programs, anchoring the student experience in accessibility and connection.
Located at a prominent arrival point, the Gateway Building acts as a campus identifier, guiding students from parking and entry paths into a new courtyard with direct connections to the upper quad. This spatial relationship positions the building not only as a wayfinding landmark but also as a unifying connector across campus zones.
Within the building, an interior “Main Street” serves as the organizing spine. This wide circulation corridor doubles as a second path to the upper quad, offering direct access to student support services, administrative offices, and flexible facilities. Along its length, glazing and transparency showcase activities within, creating a lively “see and be seen” atmosphere. This openness makes services more visible and approachable, encouraging students to take advantage of the resources available to them.
The architecture draws on the character of existing campus buildings while offering a contemporary interpretation. Clean lines, strategic glazing, and active ground-floor connections give the Gateway Building a fresh identity that feels both familiar and forward-looking. In doing so, the building bridges Saddleback’s history with its vision for the future.
Every design move was focused on student success. The Gateway Building fosters interaction by providing spaces that support both individual and group learning. Services are intentionally placed “on display” to improve accessibility, while collaborative areas and informal gathering spots create opportunities for community. By combining support services, flexible study environments, and clear circulation, the building strengthens the foundation for a vibrant campus culture.
The Gateway Building has already been recognized for its contribution to education and design, receiving the 2025 CMAA Southern California Project Achievement Award in the Education category for projects under $50 million.
More than a new facility, the Gateway Building represents Saddleback College’s commitment to equity and student achievement. It creates a place where every student—whether arriving on campus for the first time or moving between classes—can connect to the people, programs, and resources that help them thrive. As a literal and figurative gateway, it sets the tone for a supportive, engaged, and connected campus community.
