The new Advanced Technology and Applied Science (ATAS) building at Ma’an College spans approximately 4,840 square meters and is dedicated to supporting vocational and technical education (CTE). It caters to diverse learning styles including visual, auditory, motor, and tactile. This space invites both students and community members to engage creatively, fostering connections across the campus and the wider community, and cultivating a strong sense of belonging.
The ATAS building’s design highlights a wide variety of courses offered by departments such as architectural drawing, computer technology and maintenance, graphic design and promotion, environmental science, marine biology research, advanced manufacturing, and horticulture.
Visitors to the building are greeted by a distinctive double funnel-shaped entrance porch, featuring benches, hard landscaping, and fan-shaped lines radiating from the entrance door. These design elements guide people toward the main entrance, directing their attention to the laboratories, classrooms, and the courtyard’s green spaces. A striking red earth wall guides visitors from outside through the glass facade and into the interior, connecting the entrance porch with the building’s main social hub—the collaborative center. This wall extends into the eastern courtyard, where an open-air theater offers expansive views of Trabuco Arroyo and the Santa Ana mountains.
The building’s exposed systems and transparent maker and exhibition spaces invite students to explore perspectives and ideas beyond their own disciplines. Maker spaces are strategically located in accessible areas, fostering strong connections with various academic fields and the surrounding natural environment. At the heart of the social space lies a prominent and accessible teaching and office area, surrounded by numerous informal gathering spots that encourage spontaneous interactions among students, staff, and faculty. This design promotes an atmosphere of openness and collaboration both inside and outside the classroom.
Project Information
Architect: HED
Area: 52,913 ft²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Nico Marques
Manufacturers: Thern Winched & Cranes, Arcadia Inc., Garland, Rieder Group, Tnemec
Lead Architect: Martha Ball
Design Creator: Michael Bulander
Project Management: Tom Christian
Project Architect: Meg Hironaka
Architectural Design Team: HED, Can Cui, Samantha Aisawa, Hue Eryigit, Genesis Li, Chaoqun Chen
Structural Engineers: Coffman Engineers
Civil Engineer: Kimley Horn
Mechanical Engineer: Critchfield Mechanical
Electrical Engineer: Helix Electric
Fire Safety: Daart Fire Protection
Plumbing: Xcel Mechanical
Location: Mission Viejo, United States
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