The new 113,801-square-foot, two-story Instructional Complex 1 at Southwestern College addresses the growing demand for modern, flexible instructional space. Designed to foster active learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, the facility includes lecture classrooms, hands-on active learning environments, class labs, a planetarium, faculty offices, and spaces dedicated to peer-to-peer collaboration and project-based work. The building also features a designated University Center to support shared use between the District and partner four-year university programs.

Constructed in two increments, the project is located on the site of former buildings 17A, 18A, and 19A, at the northeast corner of the existing campus. Increment 1 involved the construction of two steel-framed and tilt-up concrete buildings (#24 & #25), along with significant site improvements including upgraded landscape and hardscape, path of travel enhancements, and improved accessible parking. Increment 2 focused on sustainable energy, introducing a rooftop photovoltaic system with inverters and supporting electrical and low-voltage infrastructure, submitted under a separate DSA review.

Instructional Complex 1 supports Southwestern College’s Guided Pathways Initiative, aligning educational spaces with evolving academic programs and reinforcing the college’s commitment to student success and institutional sustainability.