Group 4 has designed a new 100,000 square foot, $91 million Library + Learning Connection (LLC), the flagship project of Chabot College’s Measure A Bond. This innovative project serves as a community hub and landmark located in the physical heart of the post-war campus’ Grand Court. The new building fosters deep connections through interconnected student- and faculty-responsive services and spaces, including the interdivisional Learning Connection Center, computer labs, study and collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, staff training spaces, a Multicultural Research Center, maker space, family spaces, and flexible event spaces.

The planning process for the new LLC focused on “non-traditional” students. These students bring diverse cultural assets and lived experiences that disrupt the traditional narrative of library and learning neutrality, and inspire re-imagined library and learning environments. Prior to commencing design work, Group 4 convened a collaborative, multidisciplinary planning process to engage these students as well as library and District leadership, Learning Communities representatives, and the campus community-at-large.

The LLC’s design and architecture directly developed out of this engagement process, and is rooted in inclusion, diversity, and equity. The exterior form was inspired by and integrates with the oval colonnade and two-story campus, activating the Grand Court and introducing outdoor learning spaces to further broaden Chabot College’s educational resources.

The Library + Learning Connection project opened for the Fall 2024 semester. Group 4 is the Architect of Record and with HMC Architects as a Co-Design Architect.