DESIGNWORKS 2021

Trident Technical College / SC Aeronautical Training Center

North Charleston, SC

LS3P – Charleston

The client, a community college seeking to contribute to the local and regional economy through workforce training in aeronautics and advanced manufacturing, commissioned a state-of-the-art facility that is the first of its kind in the country. The design team created a building that is equally inspiring to students, high performing in the rigorous advanced manufacturing setting, and reflective of the significance of the global aviation industry to the region.

Sharp lines play with sweeping curves in voluminous, light-filled spaces. Monochromatic neutrals in black, gray, and white are highlighted with accents of deep blues and vivid greens. Floor patterns and light fixtures provide a sense of wayfinding through the gallery space, like white trails in the sky from a jet engine. Ceilings sweep upward embodying an aerodynamic wing tip. Custom, eye-catching graphics frame each elevator bank.

A holistic approach to high performance drove the design, beginning with best practices for passive design, orientation for daylighting, and shading strategies to minimize heat and glare. The flexible, open lab and hangar spaces support the evolving curriculum with a malleable design that can evolve with shifts in curriculum or technology.

Whether in the prime public spaces or in the working labs, special attention was taken to make sure all finish materials are timeless and durable. The building has generated a sense of community pride to sustain longevity over generations of use, providing the perfect modern backdrop for students and educators in this high-tech industry to soar.