The suburban location in a largely undeveloped technology park dictated that the design develop a visual image that was both academic in character and inviting. The anchor of the project creating this imagery is an arched entry to a grand gallery which serves as the "living room" for the campus It provides the principal circulation and is a crossroad for activities.

The Academic Center is designed to accommodate 1,000 students. The instructional spaces include:

• A Distance Education Classroom featuring a document camera, ceiling mounted projector, AMX touch panel instructor's station with a computer, VCR/DVD player, video camera, monitor, printer, and local and network access server. All 50 student desks are equipped with a computer and flat panel display.

• The 46 fixed-seat Leadership Room features data and electric outlets at each seat for laptop computer use. The theater-style room features a large format rear screen projection system with touch screen control on both the instructor's lectern and the screen. The same technologies provided in the Distance Education Classroom are integrated into the Leadership Room.

• Computer Equipped Classrooms vary between 35 and 50 stations. They are equipped with technologies similar to the Distance Education Classroom. All student stations are equipped with a computer, flat panel monitors, and local and Internet access. Standard classrooms are laptop ready at each desk and are fully prepared for the addition of individual computers.

• The Computer Lab is open to all students and provides more than 60-cluster style computer equipped workstations.

• The 42-station Multipurpose Science Laboratory Classroom is designed for both molecular biology and forensic science classes. Each station is wired for data and power for laptop computers. The instructor's demonstration table includes a computer-controlled projector, VCR/DVD player, and television monitor.