In 2012 Wake Tech Community College (WTCC) began a significant expansion of their North Campus to meet the needs of a growing region and demand for education and training services. To densify the campus, the long-term master plan called for these new facilities to displace existing surface parking and provide new structured parking at the perimeter of campus.
The Northern Wake Campus has the distinction of being the first college or university campus in the U.S. where all academic buildings are LEED certified. All buildings are sited around a protected wetland that runs through the middle of campus and are oriented in the east/west direction to take full advantage of northern and southern daylight exposure, as well as views to the wetland.
Located at the southern edge of the campus, the deck is enclosed in custom corrugated stainless-steel panels that reflect the surrounding trees. The paneled enclosure opens on the north to provide expansive views of a natural buffer area. Stair towers are conceived as light lanterns that float above the ground plane.
High-recycled content materials such as concrete and aluminum are used throughout. Furthering the sustainable measures on campus, the structure was designed to accommodate future car-charging stations as well as a photovoltaic array that will cover the entire top level of parking.
The WTCC Parking Deck 2 was recognized with an Award of Merit in the 2019 AIA Virginia Design Awards program. The content of this profile is based on the award submission.
About the Project Team
Project Name: WTCC Parking Deck 2 (Raleigh, N.C.)
Owner: Wake Technical Community College
Firm Name: Clark Nexsen
Contractor: SKANSKA
Photographer: Mark Herboth Photography, LLC