Community College of Denver–Confluence Building

LEED Gold

First building devoted to serving only Community College of Denver students.

This multi-phased project involved creating a new front door and positive identity for CCD on the Auraria campus. The creation of the Confluence Building provided CCD with up-to-date facilities that quickly became a campus destination.

Many of the college’s students are first generation college students, immigrants, veterans, and people seeking mid-career education. To serve this student population, it was important that the Confluence Building be welcoming, accessible and easily navigated without intimidating those new to the college experience.

This is achieved through the use of a pass-through welcome hall, enabling students to orient themselves regardless of the side of the building from which they enter. Upon entry, students are greeted at an easily located welcome desk from which they have a visual connection to many of the points of service in the building. The use of color is also key in the wayfinding design strategy.