The Grand Rapids Community College Applied Technology Center and New Secchia Piazza project involved transforming an existing outdoor patio at the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center into an enclosed multi-use space that incorporates a decorative Occulus roofing structure.
The new indoor area is used as an event and meeting space, which creates more opportunities for culinary students at the college to serve more guests and expand their skills to prepare for the hospitality industry.
The project included a unique 31×15-foot cone-shaped skylight with colorful glass panels that reshaped the campus and serves as an iconic landmark in downtown Grand Rapids. This architectural feature includes 20 colored panels, each made up of laminated glass panels with a colored film inner layer in seven shades of oranges, yellows and greens. The glass was set in a painted aluminum frame, and the entire system serves as the center portion of the ceiling for the new piazza addition.
Between the room’s suspended acoustical tile ceiling and the skylight above, custom laser-cut plastic panels colored to match the skylight glass are supported by a custom fabricated aluminum structure to improve room acoustics while also enhancing the experience of light and color in the room.
Centered beneath the cone-shaped skylight is a 30’ diameter polished concrete tondo with steel/metal inlays, creating a unique form of circular art. The metal panel inlays were designed by a GRCC artist to evoke the educational pathway students take from the Secchia Institute to culinary opportunities across the country and around the world.
Outside, the new addition features a terrace deck with views of the city, accessed by oversize sliding glass doors which also introduce fresh air and breezes to the event space.
Other key features include an environmentally friendly sustainable Live Roof system as well as renovations to the Heritage Restaurant, a teaching restaurant for Secchia students.
Awards
This project was recognized by the Washtenaw Contractors Association (WCA) with a Pyramid Award for Best Project Team for Projects between $3 million and $25 million in 2021.